At least 12 legal cases have been filed against Israeli soldiers and reservists abroad, accusing them of war crimes linked to the current conflict in Gaza, according to recent reports.

The complaints were submitted in countries such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Serbia, Ireland, and Cyprus, with most cases reportedly filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), an organization known for its anti-Israel legal campaigns.

While most complaints have not resulted in investigations, they have caused soldiers to leave the countries involved swiftly. One high-profile case in Brazil, involving a soldier who survived the October 7 Hamas attack on the Nova festival, nearly sparked a diplomatic incident.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry intervened to ensure the soldier’s safe departure and has since issued warnings to Israelis traveling abroad about sharing military-related information on social media, which could be exploited for legal actions.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has convened a Defense Cabinet subcommittee to address the growing issue, with participation from key ministers and representatives of agencies including Shin Bet, Mossad, and the National Security Council. The subcommittee aims to develop strategies to protect Israeli soldiers and Jewish communities worldwide.

HRF, which instigated the Brazil case, allegedly provided evidence such as video footage, geolocation data, and photographs linking the soldier to actions in Gaza. Israel suspects HRF has received support from an unnamed country to collect information and initiate lawsuits against Israeli personnel. HRF claims to have several ongoing cases in multiple nations.

Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli criticized HRF on social media, describing it as far from a human rights organization. He highlighted its founders’ controversial backgrounds, including ties to Hezbollah and past inflammatory statements. The group was named after a Gaza child allegedly killed by the IDF, a claim the army investigated and found
unsubstantiated.

HRF, founded in Belgium in early 2023, is part of a broader movement called “March 30,” which aims to pursue legal actions against Israel for alleged war crimes. HRF has filed a case with the International Criminal Court, tragically naming 1,000 Israeli soldiers in connection with Gaza-related war crimes.