Israel Hayom is a media organization founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better journalism—more balanced, more accurate, and more reliable. Journalism that speaks rather than shouts. Journalism that is trustworthy, objective, and matter-of-fact. A different kind of journalism, offered free of charge. The first print edition was published on July 30, 2007, and in 2010 Israel Hayom became the Israeli newspaper with the highest weekday readership. The newspaper’s publisher is Dr. Miriam Adelson. Its Editor-in-Chief is Omar Lachmanovitch, and its founding editor is Amos Regev. Israel Hayom’s Hebrew and English websites, as well as its Android and iOS applications, provide around-the-clock news coverage, exclusive content, breaking news and updates, analysis and commentary, video, podcasts, and live broadcasts. The digital platforms of Israel Hayom include news and opinion channels covering culture and entertainment, lifestyle, technology, sports, business and consumer affairs, health, military affairs, food, Judaism, tourism, and automobiles. In 2021, a new Hebrew-language website and mobile application were launched to provide users with a fast, up-to-date, secure, and convenient experience. The content of the newspaper’s print edition is also available online through a daily digital edition and can be received via newsletter. “The Israel Hayom Clique,” the publication’s exclusive benefits club, offers website users discounts and special promotions on products and services. Israel Hayom welcomes feedback, criticism, and suggestions for improvement from its readers. You can contact the organization by email at hayom@israelhayom.co.il

Thursday Sep 17, 2026
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News

Ankara angry as Israel charges Turkish tourist with aiding Hamas

by  Reuters and Israel Hayom Staff
Published on  07-09-2018 00:00
Last modified: 12-22-2019 12:00
Ankara angry as Israel charges Turkish tourist with aiding Hamas

Turkish citizen Ebru Ozkan in court

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Israel charged a detained Turkish tourist on Sunday with helping smuggle money and packages to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

The case has angered Ankara, drawing threats of retaliation.

Ebru Ozkan, 27, has been detained since June when she was apprehended trying to board a flight in Tel Aviv. One of the charges she faces is for smuggling five bottles of perfume, which her lawyer dismissed as trivial.

The case has strained already tense relations between Israel and Turkey, both U.S. allies, whose once-friendly ties have become acrimonious in recent years as Islamist President Tayyip Erdogan has solidified his power in Turkey.

The indictment against Ozkan, filed with an Israeli military court, includes two counts of acting in the service of a terrorist group, one count of transferring money to enemy agents, and one count of threatening public order.

If convicted, she could face several years in prison.

Though she is accused of smuggling a number of items, prosecutors put the most emphasis on the five bottles of perfume, which they contend were meant to be sold to raise money for Hamas.

In response to that charge, her lawyer Omara Khamaisi told Reuters outside the court: "Come on, really?"

"I think that in this case, the decision will ultimately be a brave one – to release her, I hope," the attorney said.

Khamaisi said further that Ozkan had been denied legal counsel for most of her detention, and that because her interrogation was not conducted in Turkish, her native language, her answers were distorted.

The indictment did not detail where the alleged offenses took place. Khamaisi said Ozkan had spent three days in Jerusalem during her visit.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. Hamas is classified as a terrorist group by Israel and the West, but not by NATO-member Turkey.

Asked about Ozkan's case on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu referred to her as "our sister" and accused Israel of "taking deterrent measures against our citizens traveling to Jerusalem."

"However, we will retaliate against this," He said, without elaborating. "Our relations will normalize when Israel stops its inhumane policies."

Turkey and Israel once had a strong security partnership. But the relationship deteriorated over the last decade, with Ankara condemning Israeli operations in Gaza. Israel contends it has a right to defend its citizens against Hamas hostility and rocket fire.

Muslims account for just a small percentage of incoming tourists to Israel. In 2016, the bulk of Muslim tourists, around 100,000, came from Turkey.

Israel Hayom reported last week that Turkey is seeking to re-establish its grip on east Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.

Turkey funnels resources and money into establishing a foothold on the  Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Its efforts to purchase influence there by way of donations to locals and assistance to businesses have also included demonstrations in east Jerusalem by Turkish "tourists" in recent years.

Related Posts

Trump: Iran violated ceasefire, talks set to resume in Islamabad

Trump calls possible Canada-EU associate deal a hostile act

by Batsheva Shulman

Trump threatens tariffs as Brussels and Ottawa signal a closer alliance.

Israel eyes new targets, more aggressive strikes in next Iran campaign

US fears sensitive F-35 technology could fall into Chinese hands

by ILH Staff

Classified US intelligence assessments reported by The New York Times warn that China could gain access to secret F-35 technology...

Saudi Arabia builds a new power bloc with Turkey and Pakistan

Saudi Arabia running short of interceptors, seeks allies' help

by ILH Staff

The kingdom faces Houthi attacks on infrastructure and shipping routes. The US, its main ally and weapons supplier, is also...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il