Israeli Soldier Flees Brazil Amid Gaza War Crimes Investigation

Jan 5, 2025, 09:15 AM

Brazilian authorities have initiated an investigation into an Israeli reservist soldier accused of committing war crimes in Gaza, following a complaint by the Hind Rajab Foundation. As a signatory of the Rome Statute, Brazil's federal court invoked universal jurisdiction and ordered police to investigate the soldier's alleged involvement in the destruction of civilian homes in Gaza. The soldier, identified as Yuval Vagdani, was reportedly on vacation in Brazil when he learned of the investigation and fled the country with assistance from Israeli authorities, returning to Israel. Israeli media reported that the soldier is a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival attack by Hamas. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the incident a "diplomatic failure" of the Israeli government and expressed concern over potential legal actions against Israeli soldiers traveling abroad.