Israel is concerned over a statement made yesterday by Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu over last week's arrest of two Israeli tourists who photographed the presidential palace in Istanbul. Indicating that Turkish authorities have no intention of releasing them and that the couple will stand trial, the minister said, “The couple photographed Erdogan’s home; they focused on the house and marked it. The prosecutor’s office estimates that they committed a crime of military and political espionage, but the court will make the decision.”

Declining to respond specifically to Soylu's comments, Justice Minister Gideon Saar told Israel’s public broadcaster Kan today, “It is clear to everyone that the Israelis were arrested for no reason. We are working under the leadership of the Foreign Ministry to have them released as soon as possible.” Saar also noted that President Isaac Herzog is also involved in the diplomatic efforts.

Mordi and Natali Oknin, both bus drivers in their 40s, were arrested Nov. 9 after taking pictures of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s palace in Istanbul while visiting the Camlica Tower. Natali sent a photo of the palace in a family WhatsApp group with the caption, “Such a nice house.” A Camlica staff member reportedly overheard the couple talking about the palace and reported them to the police, who arrested them and a Turkish friend who accompanied them on the visit.

The family of Mordi and Natali Oknin only realized something was wrong when the couple did not return to Israel as scheduled. The Israeli Consulate in Istanbul was not notified about the detention and learned of the incident when the family reported them missing. Reports in Israel shortly after the arrest said that the couple was expected to be released and deported to Israel by Nov. 12, but that did not happen. The couple was questioned by Turkish prosecutors and referred to a court, where a judge charged them with "political and military espionage" and extended their detention for at least 20 days.