The 2022 Istanbul terror plot was a terror plot uncovered by Mossad and the National Intelligence Organization. The plot consisted of an Iranian-led terror cell which planned to kidnap, murder, and assault Israeli tourists in Istanbul. Israel had given advisories against travelling to Turkey on 30 May and upgraded the advisory on 13 June, amid threats made by Iran.[1][2] Israel later told its citizens in Turkey to lock their doors after a couple had to be transported following a tip of an Iranian terror cell waiting to kidnap them.[3] Several suspects were arrested on 14 June in Istanbul, while the arrests were made public the 23 of June.
In May, Israeli and Turkish security agencies foiled an Iranian plot to kidnap Israeli tourists in Turkey.[4]
First Travel Advisory
On 30 May, Israel issued a travel warning on non-essential on Turkey due to Iranian threats of revenge following the assassination of Khodaei.[5]
13 June incident and advisory upgraded
On 13 June, an Israeli couple at a market were called and told on by Mossad to stay where they were due to an Iranian terror cell waiting for them at their hotel to kidnap them. It was reported that they were transported to Istanbul Airport, where they were put on a flight back to Israel. It was later reported that they were extensively questioned afterwards.[3] In the aftermath of the rescue operation, Israel told its citizens to evacuate Istanbul and Turkey immediately.[6][7] They were also told to postpone future trips to Turkey until further notice.[8]
Plot foiled and arrests made
On 23 June 2022, the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey announced that 10 Iranian and Turkish operatives had been detained in Istanbul's Beyoğlu area following multiple raids and weapons seizure.[9][10] Local security forces reported that Iranian agents were still at large and that a former Israeli ambassador and his wife were allegedly targeted.[11][2] It was later uncovered that the suspects had been arrested on 14 July near Taksim Square.
^Uniyal, Vijeta (23 June 2022). "Iranian Terror Cell Plotting to Kill Israelis Nabbed in Turkey". Legal Insurrection. Retrieved 4 August 2022. Death squad comprising of "eight suspects, including Iranian nationals, who were plotting attacks on Israeli citizens in Turkey."
^"Turkey said to nab Iranian cell planning attacks on Israelis". Times of Israel. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022. Agents, including some Iranian nationals, reportedly arrested last week in raid in Beyoglu district of Istanbul; ex-diplomat and his wife said targeted in plot
