Turkish authorities have arrested seven more individuals suspected of spying for Israel, Turkish state media reported on Tuesday.
This latest arrest comes two months after a larger wave of detentions targeting individuals allegedly involved in espionage activities on behalf of Israel. The suspects, among them a private detective and government employees, are accused of selling information about "Middle Eastern citizens and businesses" residing in Turkey, according to Anadolu Agency, citing security sources.
Earlier in January, Turkish authorities apprehended 34 individuals suspected of aiding Israeli intelligence in planning abductions within the country. Additionally, 12 more suspects reportedly remain at large, facing similar accusations.
Security sources informed Associated Press that most of the recently detained individuals possess foreign citizenship and were recruited as part of operations targeting Palestinians and their families in Turkey.
These arrests further escalate tensions between Turkey and Israel. In recent months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticized Israel, accusing them of "state terrorism" and involvement in the death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel has consistently denied these accusations and accused Erdogan of inciting anti-Semitism.
Erdogan had declared in the past that there was "no difference" between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler.
