IOF soldiers facing 12 war crime probes abroad since October 7, 2023

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Jan 2025 22:28
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One notable case concerns a soldier who was involved in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza as part of the Israeli occupation's genocidal campaign.

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Members of the Palestinian community drink coffee under a poster of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a swastika that reads in Spanish, "Wanted for genocide and crimes against the Palestinian people" at a coffee shop in Santiago, Chile, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. (AP)

Twelve investigations have been launched against Israeli soldiers in connection with war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, Channel 12 reported. These probes, initiated in various countries: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Serbia, Ireland, and Cyprus, have intensified scrutiny of "Israel's" military actions and sparked significant political debate.

The report is based on data presented earlier today to a security cabinet subcommittee headed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The soldiers under investigation were advised by Israeli authorities to leave the countries conducting the probes to avoid legal repercussions. To date, no arrests have been made.

A case that drew international attention

One notable case concerns a soldier who was involved in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza as part of the Israeli occupation's genocidal campaign. Brazilian authorities ordered an investigation into his actions, forcing him to flee the country, based on the recommendations of Israeli authorities.

This is the #Israeli war criminal Yuval Vagdani who managed to escape from #Brazil before his capture by the authorities. Wonder if Mossad helped him! @IDF soldiers will be hunted everywhere they go in the world, no escaping from legal justice. They’ll be turned into… https://t.co/l1lvhbIT4K pic.twitter.com/h4vZNWGBCp
— ali hadi (@alihadi68) January 5, 2025

In fact, Israeli media highlighted cases where four soldiers were investigated in four countries: South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and France. The investigations stem from complaints filed by the Palestinian organization Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), which actively monitors the movements of Israeli soldiers abroad and seeks legal action against them.

Channel 13 reported, "These investigations mark the beginning of a reality that will accompany us for a long time." The growing concern within the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Justice over these incidents conveys the potential challenges ahead.

Political backlash

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid strongly criticized the leadership's handling of the situation, stating, "The fact that an Israeli reservist had to flee Brazil at night to avoid arrest for actions in Gaza represents a massive political failure of an irresponsible government that simply does not know how to function."

Lapid further questioned the current leadership's effectiveness compared to Palestinian efforts on the international stage, calling for a formal investigative committee and a robust media strategy to protect "Israel's" legal and political interests.

The Israeli army radio confirms that the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has facilitated Yuval Vagdani’s escape from Brazil, obstructing justice and undermining accountability for war crimes. Brazil and the global community must take a firm stand against this blatant evasion.… pic.twitter.com/U0CJnm6MFt
— The Hind Rajab Foundation (@HindRFoundation) January 5, 2025

Lapid concluded his critique with a call to action, saying, "Regular and reserve soldiers should not fear traveling abroad due to the risk of arrest."