An Israeli army reservist was forced to cut short his trip to Brazil last month after authorities launched a war crimes investigation into his alleged involvement in military operations in Gaza.
Yuval Vagdani, who had been serving in an infantry unit, was informed on 4 January that a Brazilian judge had approved an investigation following a legal complaint filed by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation. The organisation, which advocates for accountability over Israel’s actions in Gaza, accused Vagdani of participating in the demolition of civilian homes. The case was reportedly built using geolocation data and social media posts showing Vagdani in uniform in Gaza, alongside video footage of large explosions and soldiers cheering.
Fearing possible arrest under universal jurisdiction, a legal principle allowing countries to prosecute individuals for war crimes regardless of where they were committed, Vagdani left Brazil the following day. Speaking to Israeli media, he denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations as “a bullet in the heart,” insisting that his presence in Gaza was for military manoeuvres and combat operations.
The Israeli government has condemned the case, calling it a politically motivated attempt to target its soldiers. Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the legal action as a “public relations stunt” and confirmed that fewer than a dozen soldiers had been affected by similar efforts. In response, the Israeli military has imposed new restrictions, barring media outlets from identifying lower-ranking soldiers and warning personnel against sharing details of their service or travel plans online.
Universal jurisdiction has been used in several high-profile cases, including the conviction of a former Syrian intelligence officer in Germany and prosecutions linked to the Rwandan genocide. However, legal experts suggest its application against Israeli soldiers is likely to face significant obstacles. In countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, previous attempts to pursue Israeli military and political figures have largely failed due to legal constraints and diplomatic factors.
Despite these challenges, the Hind Rajab Foundation has vowed to continue its efforts, filing dozens of complaints across multiple countries. Its co-founder, Haroon Raza, said the group was prepared for a long legal battle, stating, “It might take 10 years. It might be 20 years. No problem. We are ready to have patience.”
With no statute of limitations on war crimes, legal action against Israeli soldiers remains an ongoing issue, potentially complicating international travel for those who have served in Gaza.
