Ben-Gvir Denies Turkish Embassy’s Request for Information on Inmates Due to Hamas Ties

By Yoni Weiss

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejected a request from the Turkish Embassy seeking information on two Turkish citizens serving sentences in an Israeli prison. The refusal stems from Israel’s concerns about Turkey’s connections with Hamas.

In response to the Israel Prison Service’s inquiry on the matter, Ben-Gvir decided against approving the transfer of information to the Turkish Embassy. He also stated that Israel would not permit the embassy to visit the inmates, citing Turkey’s support for Hamas. Ben-Gvir emphasized that if the embassy wishes to obtain information, it should pressure Hamas to allow Israel to visit the prisoners in Gaza.

The Turkish Embassy’s request pertains to Eiden Demirhan and Yuksel Hasunglu, both Turkish citizens serving sentences in Israel. While requests for information or visits from foreign representatives are common, Ben-Gvir’s refusal is based on Turkey’s expressed support for Hamas. Ben-Gvir’s office reiterated the principle that reciprocal access should be insisted upon when dealing with such requests.

The statement from Ben-Gvir’s office emphasized that requests for information and meetings with prisoners should follow the principle of reciprocity. Ben-Gvir stressed that if the Turkish Embassy, a supporter of Hamas, wants access to information about prisoners, they should exert pressure on Hamas to allow Israel to meet its captives in the Gaza Strip.