A former Israeli soldier on vacation in Brazil fled the country abruptly after facing accusations of war crimes committed during his service in Gaza. The case was filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian NGO dedicated to addressing alleged Israeli impunity. The foundation accused the soldier of participating in the mass demolition of civilian homes during a systematic campaign of destruction in Gaza.
A Brazilian judge last week ordered police to investigate the soldier under the Rome Statute, which Brazil is a signatory to. This statute obligates member states to investigate and prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Israeli foreign ministry, working swiftly, ensured the soldier’s safe departure, citing concerns over anti-Israeli legal pursuits globally.
HRF has similarly pursued Israeli soldiers in other countries, including Thailand and Sri Lanka, demanding investigations and arrests through appeals to local governments, the International Criminal Court, and Interpol. However, no Israeli soldier has been detained or tried as a result of these efforts.
Israeli soldiers in Golan Heights near the border with Syria on December 9. Amir Levy/Getty Images
The incident sparked political uproar in Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the government for what he called a “monumental political failure.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded by condemning the allegations as part of an anti-Semitic campaign targeting Israel’s right to self-defense.
The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee plans to discuss actions being taken against Israeli soldiers abroad, reflecting growing concerns over legal challenges faced by military personnel in international jurisdictions.
