Turkish authorities are investigating a violent confrontation near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul's Besiktas district that left one attacker dead and four others wounded on Tuesday. The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions linked to the Gaza conflict, though no Israeli diplomats were present at the time.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confirmed that attackers targeted police officers conducting routine security checks near the consulate. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the exchange of gunfire, while security forces captured two wounded suspects. The assailants reportedly traveled from Izmit in a rented vehicle and were armed with automatic weapons.
Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci revealed through social media that one attacker had ties to a religious extremist organization, while the other had prior drug-related convictions. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which triggered a massive emergency response in the Levent business district.
This marks the first major security incident at the consulate since Israel recalled its diplomatic staff from Türkiye earlier this year. Turkish authorities maintain a heavy security presence at the site, which has seen frequent protests over Israel's military actions in Gaza.
