Israeli soldiers accused of crimes in Gaza face little risk of prosecution in Israel, but the situation is different internationally. The Hind Rajab Foundation claims to have 27 cases against Israeli soldiers and a large case involving about 1,000 soldiers at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
The foundation’s efforts had an impact recently when a Brazilian court ordered an investigation into an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza. The soldier fled Brazil with the help of the Israeli embassy.
The foundation, a pro-Palestinian organization based in Belgium, uses open-source intelligence, including social media, to gather evidence. According to the foundation’s legal advisor, Haroon Raza, social media postings by soldiers provide valuable information.
The foundation collaborates with local lawyers to file complaints in various countries, including the Netherlands. The Israeli Foreign Ministry is aware of 12 cases but reports no arrests.
Israel has warned its soldiers against posting about their time in Gaza on social media and against traveling abroad. Criticism has emerged regarding the military’s response to these warnings.
In Israel, the political reaction to the situation is one of outrage, with Foreign Minister Sa’ar labeling the actions in Brazil as part of a “systematic antisemitism campaign.” The Hind Rajab Foundation plans to file a police report over threats made against its founder, Abou Jahjah.
Source: NOS