A former Israeli soldier vacationing in Brazil has fled the country abruptly after facing allegations of war crimes during his service in Gaza. The case was brought against him by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian NGO dedicated to seeking justice for victims of the Gaza conflict.
The soldier was accused of participating in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza as part of a systematic campaign of destruction. A Brazilian judge ordered police to investigate the soldier based on the complaint filed by the HRF, citing Brazil's obligation as a signatory to the Rome Statute to investigate and punish such crimes.
The Israeli foreign ministry intervened to ensure the safety of the Israeli citizen and facilitated his swift departure from Brazil. The ministry also warned Israelis about sharing military-related posts on social media, which could be exploited by anti-Israeli elements to initiate legal proceedings.
The HRF has been actively pursuing Israeli soldiers in various countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Chile, seeking their apprehension over alleged war crimes. However, there have been no reports of any soldier being detained or arrested as a result of these cases.
The Brazilian case has sparked a political controversy in Israel, with opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizing the government's handling of the situation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denounced the allegations as part of a systematic and anti-Semitic campaign against Israel's right to self-defense.
Israeli soldiers' mothers' group, 'Moms Up,' has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF Chief of Staff to address the legal risks faced by their children serving in the military. They highlighted the challenges faced by Israeli soldiers operating under pressure from extremist groups without adequate legal protection.
While there has been a rise in attempts to bring charges against Israeli soldiers abroad, no arrests or trials have occurred so far. The Israeli parliament's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee will discuss the global actions taken against Israeli soldiers in an upcoming session.
