Mossad claims it thwart 12 attacks against Israelis in Turkey

Israel's Mossad has thwarted at least twelve terror attacks against Israelis in Turkey over the past two years, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

The announcement came days after reports that Turkey's intelligence services had foiled an Iranian attempt to assassinate an Israeli businessman based in the country.

Observers suspect the attack could have been retaliation for Mossad's assassination of a top Iranian scientist in September.

However, the attacks thwarted by Mossad were allegedly mostly linked to the Islamic State group, and targeted Israeli businessmen and other Israeli nationals in Turkey, according to reports.

The timing of the revelations has stirred speculations in Turkey and Israel. 

Announcing a large security success could be a way to deflect criticism both in Turkey and at home for the Mossad.

Ankara put sixteen people suspected of belonging to Mossad on trial last week in Istanbul for allegedly spying on behalf of Israel.

The Mossad denied any relations with the group, which included Palestinians and Syrians, shortly after their arrest in October.

The Mossad has also been embroiled in scandal at home following revelations that the Israeli NSO Group's Pegasus spyware had been "misused" by security and intelligence agencies to listen in on Israeli citizens.

Announcing a large security success could be a way to temper criticism in Israel.