Numerous countries worldwide have launched investigations into potential war crimes committed by former Israeli military personnel since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. It has since ignited a heated debate over anti-Semitism. Concerns are mounting that Israelis traveling or residing abroad could face arbitrary arrests and interrogations given that both men and women are required to serve in the Israeli military, effectively making the entire population veterans.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry disclosed to Channel 12 on Sunday that since Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, which sparked the Gaza conflict, there have been twelve reported investigations into alleged war crimes targeting Israeli soldiers on leave or those who have completed their service. These probes have occurred in various countries, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Serbia, Ireland, and Cyprus. The investigations were initiated following complaints filed by the Hind Razaab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian NGO based in Belgium, which cited social media videos showing the destruction of civilian homes in Gaza as evidence against Israeli soldiers who had served in the region.
The situation escalated on Sunday when reports emerged of an Israeli reservist vacationing in Brazil narrowly escaping arrest by local authorities, fleeing the country with embassy assistance. This incident has significantly heightened anxiety among Israelis abroad. The reservist in question had become a target of investigation in Brazil following a war crime report submitted by the HRF.
Channel 12 reports that investigative authorities in these countries use social media posts made by Israelis during their military service as a basis for their inquiries. They are scrutinizing these posts to determine whether individuals served in Gaza and participated in operations that could be classified as war crimes. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has strongly advised its reserve personnel traveling or residing abroad to purge all war-related or military service content from their social media accounts.
As of now, there have been no confirmed cases of Israeli soldiers being arrested or detained abroad on war crime charges.
Most Commented