Istanbul Israel Consulate Conflict

On 7 April 2026, in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul, in front of Yapı Kredi Plaza, an armed attack targeting police units was carried out. The incident resulted in three attackers being neutralized following a confrontation with security forces, and two police officers sustaining minor injuries.

Following reports of gunshots in the Levent neighborhood of Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district, along Büyükdere Caddesi, security and medical units were mobilized.

After receiving multiple reports of gunfire, a large number of police and medical teams were dispatched to the area. It was reported that the incident occurred as a result of an armed attack directed at police units stationed in front of the Yapı Kredi Plaza buildings.

An armed confrontation took place between police units and the attackers. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated in his announcement that three individuals who engaged in gunfire with police were neutralized.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül indicated that one of the attackers was killed at the scene, while the other two were apprehended injured.

Governor Gül stated that the attack was carried out by three individuals who arrived at the location by vehicle and were armed with long-barreled weapons and pistols.

Two police officers on duty sustained minor injuries during the confrontation.

Authorities stated that due to the rapid response of security forces, the incident was brought under control before it could escalate into a greater threat.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that the identities of the attackers had been established. Investigations revealed that the individuals had traveled to Istanbul from İzmit in a rented vehicle.

It was also reported that one of the attackers was linked to a group exploiting religion, while one of the other two attackers had a record of drug-related offenses.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül noted that the area where the attack occurred is densely populated with commercial establishments and is one of the main transportation corridors in the city.

Governor Gül further stated that behind the attack site is the building of the Israeli Consulate, but no diplomatic activity has been conducted there for approximately two and a half years.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that immediately after the incident, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation.

It was stated that a chief prosecutor’s deputy and two public prosecutors were assigned to the case and conducted on-site investigations. Authorities emphasized that efforts to fully clarify all aspects of the incident are being conducted comprehensively and with meticulous care.

On 10 April, Istanbul Police Department units detained an additional suspect in Kocaeli as part of the investigation. With this, the total number of individuals detained, including the terrorists Onur Çelik and Enes Çelik who remain hospitalized, reached 16. While proceedings against 14 suspects continue at the Istanbul Police Department, it was learned that the two terrorists will be transferred to police custody after completing their medical treatment.

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated that the swift and decisive response by security forces prevented the incident from escalating into a greater threat.

Duran confirmed that the identities of the attackers had been determined and that the investigation into the incident is ongoing. He extended his wishes for a full recovery to the injured police officers.

The statement also emphasized that this attack would not undermine Türkiye’s resolve toward its goal of a Turkey free of terrorism.