Israel Urges Citizens To Leave Turkey Due To Attack Threats By Iran

Israel urged its citizens on Monday to leave Turke due to the threat of Iranian attempts to kill or abduct vacationing Israelis.

The country's Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid said a huge effort by Israel's security forces had saved Israeli lives in recent weeks and thanked the Turkish government for its contribution.

"We are calling on Israelis not to fly to Istanbul and if you don't have a vital reason, don't fly to Turkey.

"If you are already in Istanbul, return to Israel as soon as possible.

"These terrorist threats are aimed at vacationing Israelis.

"They are selecting in a random but deliberate manner, Israeli citizens with a view to kidnapping or murdering them.

"I want, from here, to relay a message to the Iranians as well.

"Whoever harms Israelis will not get away with it. Israel's long arm will get them, no matter where they are."

Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel, which it blames for the May 22 killing of Hassan Sayad Khodai, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps colonel who was shot dead in his car.

According to Reuters, an Israeli security official said Turkey had arrested several suspected operatives of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.