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NBCDec 30, 2023
Turkey Arrests Dozens on Suspicion of Spying for Israel
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Image copyright: dia images/Contributor/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Facts
Turkish authorities on Tuesday detained dozens of individuals who allegedly engaged in espionage activities such as reconnaissance, surveillance, assault, and abduction on behalf of the Israeli foreign intelligence service Mossad.
Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and National Police carried out raids in 57 locations in eight provinces and seized 34 suspects, mostly foreign nationals, in a joint counterintelligence operation. Arrest warrants were served to 46 individuals.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This large-scale intelligence operation against yet another network of individuals linked to Mossad wraps up months of preparations to prevent provocative spy activities against Turkey within Turkish borders. Ankara has consistently sought to normalize ties with Israel but this diplomacy is unsustainable if Tel Aviv continues to carry out crimes in Gaza and threaten Turkish sovereignty.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's certain that Israel has pledged to pursue Hamas leaders everywhere, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the alleged 34 Mossad spies detained on Tuesday are part of an exaggerated or even completely fabricated event staged by Ankara to further hurt Israel's reputation amid a mounting tensions between both sides.
