07.04.2026 13:41
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi made a statement regarding the conflict in front of the Israeli Consulate. Çiftçi said, "The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that one of the individuals who came to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle has connections to an organization that exploits religion; it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record."
A conflict broke out in front of the building where the Israeli Consulate is located in Istanbul. One of the three attackers, who arrived in the area with long-barreled weapons and wearing backpacks and camouflage, was killed, and two others were captured with serious injuries. Two police officers were also injured in the conflict.
3 ATTACKERS NEUTRALIZED The conflict in Levent lasted for about 10 minutes, during which one of the three suspects who opened fire on the police was killed, and two attackers were captured injured. Two police officers were injured in the conflict.
INITIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TERRORISTS According to the initial information received about the terrorists, it was determined that the attackers arrived in the area in camouflage. The conflict lasted approximately 10 minutes. It was established that the attackers wore tactical camouflage clothing, carried backpacks, and arrived in the area with long-barreled weapons.
INTERIOR MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ: TWO OF THE TERRORISTS ARE BROTHERS Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated in his remarks regarding the attack, "Three individuals who engaged in an armed conflict with our police officers stationed in front of Yapı Kredi Plaza have been neutralized. Two of our heroic police officers were lightly injured in the conflict. The identities of the terrorists have been identified. It has been determined that one of the individuals, who came to Istanbul from Izmit in a rented vehicle, has connections to an organization that exploits religion; it has also been established that one of the two terrorists, who are brothers, has a drug record." he said.
GOVERNOR GÜL: ONE OF THE TERRORISTS WAS KILLED, 2 TERRORISTS CAPTURED INJURED Istanbul Governor Davut Gül made a statement after the investigations at the scene. Gül said, "An attack occurred against our police officers who were taking security measures in front of Yapı Kredi Plaza. As a result of the attack, two of our police officers were lightly injured. One of the terrorists was killed, and two terrorists were captured injured. First of all, I congratulate our Istanbul Provincial Police Chief and his entire team. Our police officers managed to mitigate this major attack thanks to their precautions and measures. The identification of the deceased is ongoing. Our police are working on their connections and other matters. We will inform you at certain intervals. This is a provocative act; there is a Yapı Kredi Bank in this area, and there are businesses next to it. The consulate is located at the back. There has been no activity at the consulate for about two and a half years. There is no ongoing work or diplomatic personnel at the consulate. The attack was carried out by three individuals. They arrived by vehicle and are armed with long-barreled weapons," he said.
THE CONSULATE HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR A LONG TIME On the other hand, the Israeli Consulate has been closed for a long time, and only police officers for protection purposes were present in front of the building. Security measures had been increased in front of the Israeli Consulate following the attacks in Gaza.
AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that an investigation has been initiated.
Gürlek stated regarding the matter, "An investigation has been immediately initiated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the Israeli Consulate located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. A deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors have been assigned for the investigation; our public prosecutors have promptly arrived at the scene and started their examinations. In order to clarify all aspects of the incident, work is being carried out in coordination with our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the relevant law enforcement units, and the investigation is being conducted meticulously and comprehensively." he stated.