Turkey Deports Dual Citizen Who Served in the Israeli Military

A dual citizen of Turkey and Israel was detained in Istanbul after authorities discovered she had served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), which is considered a big violation of Turkish law.

Turkey prohibits citizens from serving in foreign militaries without official authorization.

The woman, identified in reports as Jessica Bachar (also referenced in some outlets as Jessica Becher), had reportedly traveled to Turkey to visit her family when she was arrested.

Turkish authorities arrested her based on Article 76 of the Turkish Penal Code, which is linked to genocide-related crimes as well.

Following her arrest, multiple international media outlets reported that diplomatic engagement, including alleged US involvement, contributed to her release. She was deported to Israel and returned under security arrangements.

Some reports, including coverage by the Qatar-linked London-based outlet The New Arab, said she was expelled from Turkey about a week after her detention following external pressure.

Authorities in Turkey have not publicly detailed further legal proceedings, and the case has drawn attention due to its intersection of dual citizenship laws, military service abroad, and other geopolitical sensitivities involving the occupying state of Israel.