Israeli security officials are concerned that Iranian cells with local Turkish operatives would carry out an immediate attack.
Iranian terror cells are “looking for Israelis” on the streets of Istanbul after being given an order to carry out attacks in Turkey, a senior Israeli defense establishment official told Ynet on Friday.
“Not everything can be thwarted,” the official said, reiterating requests for Israelis to return home from vacations in Turkey.
Israelis were also warned to lock their hotel rooms and not allow any stranger into their room, even hotel housekeeping.
The threat to the lives of Israelis visiting Turkey is now an “ongoing incident.”
According to security officials quoted by various Hebrew media new channels, there were concerns that Iranian cells with local Turkish operatives would carry out an immediate attack.
Members of special IRGC forces attend a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)Lapid’s warning, Iran’s revenge
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid called on Israelis to avoid Istanbul earlier in the week as the National Security Council raised the threat level for Turkey trips following the publication of reports that Israel and Turkey thwarted an Iranian terrorist attack in the city last month.
The attempted attack on Israeli tourists was one of several by Iran in recent weeks, Lapid said.
The Islamic Republic has vowed to exact revenge on Israel, which is reportedly responsible for the assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Col. Hassan Sayad Khodayari in Tehran last month. The Quds Force officer is one of several high-ranking IRGC officials killed or kidnapped in recent weeks.
Annie Ahroneim contributed to this report.
Content retrieved from: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-709733.