Israeli authorities have charged three Turkish citizens with smuggling guns into the country and entering illegally, in a plot linked to an Iranian arms dealer aimed at fueling terror attacks. The suspects, arrested in September 2025, were part of a network that moved weapons from Jordan into Israel, highlighting ongoing security threats in the region.
Details of the Charges
Prosecutors in Nazareth filed the indictment on October 26, 2025, against Oktay Asci, Younes Ozel, and Rahman Gokyer. Asci faces an extra charge of providing means for terrorism, as he allegedly recruited the others into the ring.
The group is accused of buying firearms from an Iranian supplier and sneaking them across the Jordan border. This effort targeted arming militants in Israel and the West Bank, according to court documents.
Investigators say the operation was run by a Turkish national based abroad, who first helped Asci enter Israel in 2023 for construction work. The charges point to a coordinated push to boost illegal arms flow amid rising tensions.
The Smuggling Operation Exposed
The plot unfolded when Asci, after deportation in July 2025, tried to reenter Israel with Gokyer in September. They aimed to expand the gun trafficking from inside the country.
Security forces, including the Shin Bet and police, arrested all three that month during a joint operation. Weapons seized included handguns meant for terror cells, thwarting what could have been deadly attacks.
This case fits a pattern of smuggling attempts. For instance, earlier in 2025, Israeli troops stopped arms from Syria and Jordan, showing persistent border vulnerabilities.
- Key items involved: Pistols and ammunition sourced from Iran.
- Entry method: Disguised as workers crossing from Jordan.
- Goal: Supply terror groups for strikes in populated areas.
Iranian Ties and Regional Context
Iran’s role stands out, with the dealer supplying arms as part of Tehran’s strategy to destabilize Israel. This aligns with warnings from Israeli intelligence about Iran’s efforts during the ongoing conflicts, including the war with Hamas that escalated in late 2023.
Experts note Iran’s use of proxies and smuggling routes to arm allies. In recent months, similar incidents have spiked, with over 10 arrests in February 2025 alone for Jordan-based weapons trafficking.
The broader picture includes Turkey’s complex stance. While official ties with Israel fluctuate, private Turkish firms exported materials like gunpowder to Israel in early 2024, totaling around $161,000, sparking domestic protests.
Public sentiment in Turkey has turned heated, with demonstrations against arms fairs in July 2025 that featured suppliers to Israel. Social media buzzed with claims of Turkish citizens in the Israeli army, adding fuel to anti-Israel feelings.
Arrests and Recruitment Process
Asci spent over two years in Israel before his July deportation. He reportedly joined the ring early and pulled in Ozel and Gokyer this year, promising quick profits from the illegal trade.
Their September attempt to cross back in failed when border patrols flagged suspicious activity. This led to swift arrests and the unraveling of the network.
A timeline of key events helps clarify the sequence:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Asci enters Israel illegally for work, joins smuggling ring. |
| Early 2025 | Asci recruits Ozel and Gokyer. |
| July 2025 | Asci deported from Israel. |
| September 2025 | Asci and Gokyer attempt reentry; all three arrested. |
| October 26, 2025 | Charges filed in Nazareth court. |
This chain shows how personal networks fueled the operation, exploiting weak border points.
Security Implications Moving Forward
This incident underscores the need for tighter border controls between Israel and Jordan. With Iran’s influence growing, Israeli officials are ramping up surveillance and international cooperation to curb such threats.
Analysts predict more arrests as investigations widen. The case also strains Turkey-Israel relations, already tense amid regional wars.
It raises questions about how foreign nationals get involved in such plots. Strengthening worker visa checks could prevent future risks.
In a world of shifting alliances, staying vigilant against arms smuggling remains key to peace. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below, and spread the word to keep others informed.
