Israeli Soldier Forced to Leave Brazil Over War Crimes Investigation
An Israeli soldier was forced to leave Brazil after facing a war crimes investigation. The soldier, who has not been identified, was reportedly accused of committing war crimes during Israel's 2014 military operation in Gaza.
The soldier's case is not unique. In recent years, several Israeli soldiers have been arrested or detained in foreign countries over allegations of war crimes. These arrests have been carried out by pro-Palestinian groups who are seeking to hold Israeli soldiers accountable for their actions.
The Israeli government has condemned these arrests, calling them politically motivated. The government has also warned soldiers traveling abroad that they risk being arrested.
Israeli Civilian Faces Similar Predicament in Britain
An Israeli civilian who faced a similar predicament in Britain shared his experience with The Press Service of Israel. Alon Elgali, a civilian who works for the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza, was in London for a wedding in November when he was approached by members of a pro-Palestinian group.
The group questioned Elgali about his work in Gaza and accused him of demolishing mosques and United Nations schools. Elgali denied the allegations, saying that he does not demolish mosques or UNRWA schools.
Elgali and his wife, Yifat, an attorney, said that they are now afraid to travel abroad because they fear being arrested. They said that they do not know if there is an arrest warrant out for them in any other country.
Legal Expert Weighs In
Legal expert Maurice Hirsch said that the situation regarding complaints filed by anti-Israeli NGOs differs from country to country. He said that many countries have legislation that allows them to prosecute war criminals, even if they are not citizens of the country. However, he said that countries that do not recognize the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction, such as the US, China, and India, are relatively safe for travel.
Hirsch also said that every country has its own rules regarding this. He said that in the UK, for example, only the government can file a complaint like this, but not an NGO or a private person. In Belgium, the situation is different.
8 Comments
Katchuka
I applaud Brazil for taking a stand against war crimes. This sends a message that international law matters.
KittyKat
We need to protect human rights and ensure that soldiers who break the rules are held accountable, whether they are from Israel or any other nation.
Loubianka
How can someone be investigated for doing their job in combat? This is absurd and dangerous.
BuggaBoom
This situation undermines the morale of Israeli soldiers. They need to know that their actions in combat will be supported!
Eugene Alta
The investigations are necessary for justice! Those who commit atrocities should face consequences, regardless of nationality.
Coccinella
It's important that victims of conflict see justice served. War crimes shouldn't be ignored just because of national interests.
Muchacha
These aren’t war crimes; this is an act of political warfare against Israel!
Michelangelo
The soldier was just following orders. Holding individuals accountable for military decisions is unjust.