Two Gunmen Killed in Shootout Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

Turkish authorities have launched a full-scale investigation after a shooting outside a building hosting the Israeli consulate in Istanbul left two attackers dead, one wounded, and several police officers injured. The incident took place on Tuesday in the Levent district, triggering a large security response and the closure of major roads in the area, including Büyükdere Street.

According to Turkish media reports, police engaged the suspects after they opened fire near the consulate premises. Security forces responded with lethal force, killing two of the assailants and injuring a third. Officials described the suspects as being “neutralized,” a term commonly used to indicate they were either killed or captured during the operation. Two police officers were also wounded in the exchange.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office immediately opened an inquiry into the incident. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said a deputy chief prosecutor and two additional prosecutors were assigned to the case and dispatched to the scene as part of the investigation coordinated with law enforcement units.

Media accounts, including commentary from journalist Tamer Oskay on CNN Türk, suggested that the attackers may have attempted to reach the upper floors of the building where the consulate is located. Preliminary reports indicate that at least two of the individuals were carrying long-barreled weapons. Police and private security personnel reportedly identified the threat in advance, with precautionary measures already in place days before the attack.

The confrontation escalated when the suspects allegedly refused to stop when challenged by officers, leading to an exchange of fire outside the plaza building. It remains uncertain whether the consulate itself was the intended target or whether the incident was a broader security threat in the surrounding commercial district.

The area, which hosts several corporate offices and financial institutions, was quickly secured and sealed off after the shooting. Authorities continue to examine all possible motives behind the incident.

The event comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Turkey and Israel, particularly since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in 2023, during which Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have been sharply critical of Israeli military actions.