Israel Indicts Three Turkish Nationals in Iran-Linked Arms Smuggling Plot

Israeli authorities have indicted three Turkish nationals—Oktay Aschi, Rahman Gokyer, and Younes Ozel—on charges related to a sophisticated gun smuggling operation linked to Iranian arms dealers. The network reportedly transported firearms from Iran through Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, intending to smuggle them into Israel using Palestinian laborers crossing the Jordanian border. Aschi, previously deported from Israel, is additionally charged with attempting to provide means for terrorist purposes and was involved in earlier smuggling activities, including hiding a firearm near his Bat Yam residence. Gokyer was promised $1 million for his role in receiving and distributing the weapons within Israel, while Ozel acted as a middleman in arms deals inside the country. Attempts by Aschi and Gokyer to illegally re-enter Israel near Kibbutz Sha'ar HaGolan in September 2025 were thwarted by IDF forces, leading to their arrest. The indictments underscore ongoing regional security challenges posed by illicit arms trafficking and the involvement of foreign actors in destabilizing activities in Israel.