Gunmen Attack Israeli Consulate in Istanbul; One Assailant Killed
Three gunmen opened fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, resulting in a shootout that left one attacker dead and two others wounded and captured. Two police officers sustained minor injuries.
On April 7, 2026, three armed individuals attacked police outside the building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul's Levent district. The ensuing gunfight resulted in the death of one assailant, while the other two were wounded and apprehended. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the exchange.
The attackers, armed with long-barreled weapons, had traveled from Izmit, approximately 100 kilometers east of Istanbul, in a rented vehicle. One of the assailants was linked to a group described by Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti as "exploiting religion," though the specific organization was not named. The two wounded assailants are brothers, identified as Onur C. and Enes C.; one has a criminal record related to drugs.
The Israeli Consulate was unstaffed at the time, as Israel had withdrawn its diplomats from Turkey amid security concerns and deteriorating relations during the war in Gaza.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack, stating, "We will resolutely continue our fight against all forms of terrorism, and we will not allow the climate of security in Turkey to be harmed by vile and timed provocations like today’s." U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack also condemned the assault, praising Turkish authorities for "their swift and decisive response." Israel’s Foreign Ministry similarly condemned the attack and commended Turkish security forces for their rapid action in thwarting it.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, assigning three prosecutors, including a deputy chief prosecutor, to lead the inquiry. The area surrounding the consulate was sealed off as forensic experts examined the scene.