Brazil orders investigation of Israeli tourist for alleged war crimes in Gaza

An Israeli visiting Brazil has become the subject of an investigation by the Brazilian government for alleged war crimes.

The Israeli suspect served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a combat soldier in Gaza after surviving Hamas’ massacre of Israelis at the Nova festival on Oct. 7, Ynet News reported.

Ynet quoted a Brazilian lawyer who said the investigation was a consequence of Brazil’s signing of the Rome Statute, a 1998 treaty of the International Criminal Court.

“Any country that has signed the statute is compelled to ensure that crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide must be investigated and their perpetrators must be brought to justice.”

The Brazilian federal court that ordered the investigation did so based on a criminal complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF).

The HRF accused the IDF soldier of “participating in massive demolitions of civilian homes in Gaza during a systematic campaign of destruction.”

It further stated that the soldier's actions were “part of a broader effort to impose unbearable living conditions on Palestinian civilians, constituting genocide and crimes against humanity under international law.”

Despite the criminal investigation, the accused Israeli suspect was able to return to Israel.

Several Israeli politicians strongly criticized the Brazilian government for the decision.

“I am embarrassed for Brazil and its government for capitulating to pro-Palestinian legal terrorism,” said Israeli Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein. 

Edelstein announced that the committee would meet on Monday to address the issue, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign defense minister, criticized the Brazilian leadership, noting that “antisemitic president Lula accused Israel of genocide at the very start of the war and claimed that the IDF’s actions were akin to those of the Nazis.”