Smuggling Threat in Israel
Iranian Plot: Three Turkish Nationals Indicted in Israel for Major Weapons Smuggling
Three Turkish nationals indicted in Israel for operating an Iranian-backed weapons smuggling network. Plot involved complex route through multiple countries and million-dollar payments.
Israel’s State Attorney’s Office has filed a detailed indictment in the Nazareth District Court against three Turkish citizens, alleging they were part of a multi-year effort to establish a sophisticated network for smuggling firearms into Israel from Iran.
The indictment highlights a serious security breach, with one of the suspects also facing the grave charge of attempting to provide means for carrying out a terrorist act.
Details of the Indictment
The three suspects were identified as Rahman Gokair, Yunus Ozal, and Oktay Asci. The charges against them include illegal entry into Israel, weapons smuggling, and coordinating with foreign arms dealers.
Oktay Asci, who had previously been in Israel without a visa, was charged with providing means for terrorist purposes. Before his deportation in July 2025, Asci allegedly proposed that Gokair join the gun smuggling network, which was working in coordination with an Iranian arms dealer.
The scheme allegedly planned to transport weapons from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, then on to Jordan, before attempting to smuggle them into Israel using laborers crossing the border. Gokair was reportedly promised a payment of $1 million for his role in the network.
Asci and Gokair were arrested in September 2025 after they infiltrated Israel near Kibbutz Sha'ar HaGolan from Jordan. Though an attempt to smuggle three pistols with the group failed due to a dispute, they entered the country illegally. Asci had previously collected and hid a firearm near his Bat Yam apartment before handing it over to an unidentified person.
Coordination and Investigation
The indictment revealed the network's persistence despite setbacks. After Asci’s deportation, he allegedly continued to remotely direct operations, instructing Ozal to meet a contact in Tel Aviv to complete a weapons deal. That transaction also reportedly failed, though Ozal retained some of the cash intended for the deal.
The charges underscore a persistent security challenge for Israel, which frequently contends with efforts by Iran and its proxies to arm terror groups, including those in Judea and Samaria. Israeli security services, including the Shin Bet, have consistently reported foiling major Iranian-linked weapons smuggling operations in recent years.