Israel has helped a former soldier leave Brazil after a group that accuses Israelis of war crimes in the Gaza Strip launched legal action against him based on the soldier’s social media posts.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday it had helped the former soldier safely leave Brazil on a commercial flight after what it described as “anti-Israel elements” had called for an investigation last week. It warned Israelis against posting on social media about their military service.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, named after a 5-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, said Brazilian authorities launched an investigation after filing a complaint against the soldier based on video footage, geolocation data and photographs In which soldiers were shown taking part in the demolition. of civilian homes.
The foundation described the move as an important step toward accountability for crimes committed in Gaza during the nearly 15-month war.
There was no immediate comment from Brazilian officials. Brazilian media reported on Saturday that the investigation was ordered by an on-call federal judge in Brazil’s Federal District. The decision was issued on December 30 but was first reported over the weekend.
Israel has faced heavy international criticism over its war against Hamas in Gaza, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. The International Court of Justice is separately investigating allegations of genocide.
The Brazilian case has raised the possibility that ordinary Israeli soldiers could also face prosecution abroad.
Israel rejects international accusations, saying its forces in Gaza are acting in accordance with international law and any violations are punished under its judicial system. It blames Hamas for civilian deaths and says the terrorist group hides tunnels and other infrastructure in residential buildings, making them necessary to demolish.
Throughout the war, Israeli soldiers have posted numerous videos from Gaza showing them ransacking homes and blowing up or burning residential buildings. In some, they shout racist slogans or claim to destroy Palestinian territory.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in October. 7, 2023, approximately 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and about 250 were abducted. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, with at least a third believed dead.
The Israeli offensive has killed more than 45,800 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. He says more than half of the dead are women and children but he does not differentiate between civilians and militants. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 terrorists without providing evidence.