Belgian non-profit, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), has filed a criminal complaint in Spain against an Israeli soldier, whom it accused of war crimes in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanun, the organization said Wednesday.
HRF claimed that during his service in the IDF’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion, he killed unarmed civilians, tortured detainees, and aided in a systematic destruction of Palestinian property.
The group asked Spanish authorities to detain the traveler urgently to prevent his departure and “ensure accountability,” according to the complaint. There has been no indication of a response by Spanish authorities.
In its filing, HRF asserts that Netzah Yehuda, formerly associated with the Nahal framework and now part of the Kfir Brigade, has faced international criticism and “repeatedly operated in occupied Palestinian territory with little sanction.”
HRF claims it has submitted roughly 30 complaints
HRF claims it has submitted roughly 30 complaints, and according to one unverified European source, as many as 50, in around 15 countries against current and former IDF personnel.
The group says it has forwarded to the International Criminal Court the names of about 1,000 soldiers and officers, while also filing complaints against senior Israeli officials, including former IDF chief Herzi Halevi, former IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The complaint highlights images purportedly posted by the Israeli in uniform and in combat zones.
The IDF has a specific order on soldiers’ online conduct that instructs troops not to post photos in uniform or from operational areas, to avoid content that could be construed as harming civilians, and to consider the international ramifications of any post.
