Israel is concerned over a statement made yesterday by Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu over last week's arrest of two Israeli tourists who photographed the presidential palace in Istanbul. Indicating that Turkish authorities have no intention of releasing them and that the couple will stand trial, the minister said, “The couple photographed Erdogan’s home; they focused on the house and marked it. The prosecutor’s office estimates that they committed a crime of military and political espionage, but the court will make the decision.”
Declining to respond specifically to Soylu's comments, Justice Minister Gideon Saar told Israel’s public broadcaster Kan today, “It is clear to everyone that the Israelis were arrested for no reason. We are working under the leadership of the Foreign Ministry to have them released as soon as possible.” Saar also noted that President Isaac Herzog is also involved in the diplomatic efforts.
