Israel told its citizens visiting the Turkish city of Istanbul to leave "immediately", warning of the presence of Iranian "threats".Today, Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid spoke of a "real and immediate danger", after news that an Iranian terrorist attack had been thwarted in the city last month.He said the foiled attack was just one of several planned by Iran.“If you are already in Istanbul, return to Israel as soon as possible,” Lapid added, “and if you have planned a trip to Istanbul - cancel it. No vacation is worth your life.”The Israeli minister warned against traveling to Turkey in general unless such travel was "necessary."
"From here, I want to convey a message to the Iranians as well. Whoever harms the Israelis will not go unpunished. Israel's long arm will reach them, no matter where they are," he said.
Lapid did not mention any alleged Israeli operations inside Iran.Iran's president vows to avenge Khadaye's fisherman's deathIran accuses Israel of assassinating its chief nuclear scientist, vowing to respond "like thunder at the appropriate time"Israel: Raisi 'Iran's Most Extremist President So Far'He said that some Israelis who had recently traveled to Turkey had returned "without knowing that their lives had been saved."Lapid said the alleged attackers were targeting Israeli citizens "in order to kidnap or kill them."
Earlier on Monday, an Israeli radio station reported Iranian plans to kidnap Israelis in Turkey a month ago, noting that it was thwarted after Israel alerted Ankara about the threats.Lapid said the "huge efforts" of the Israeli security forces have saved "Israeli lives in recent weeks," and thanked the Turkish government for its contribution and "the efforts it is making to protect the lives of Israeli citizens."Turkey is a popular tourist destination for Israelis, as the two countries are working to mend relations after more than a decade of strained relations.