Brazilian Court Probes Israeli Soldier Yuval Vagdani for Gaza War Crimes, Soldier Flees

Jan 5, 2025, 08:36 AM

A Brazilian federal court has ordered an investigation into Yuval Vagdani, an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza. The soldier, who was vacationing in Brazil, has since fled the country. The complaint, filed by the Brussels-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), alleges that Vagdani was involved in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza in November 2024. The HRF provided over 500 pages of evidence, including videos, geolocation data, and photographs, to support their claims. The decision by the Brazilian court, based on the Rome Statute, is seen as a historic moment, marking the first time a state party to the treaty has independently enforced its provisions without relying on the International Criminal Court. The investigation has sparked international attention and raised concerns about the legal persecution of Israeli soldiers abroad.