French Lawmaker Reports Israeli Ex-Soldier for War Crimes Allegations
French lawmaker Thomas Portes has filed a report with the public prosecutor in France against a former Israeli military commander, alleging torture, war crimes, and genocide. The complaint is based on an investigation by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) in partnership with Urgence Palestine, which claims to have documented the individual's involvement in operations in the Gaza Strip between November 2023 and April 2024. The HRF stated the investigation was prompted after the French Coordination for Academic, Cultural and Sports Boycott of Israel (FRACBI) flagged the soldier's presence in France. The former soldier is currently in Paris to compete in the 2026 Roundnet World Championships, scheduled from September 2 to 6.
According to the HRF, the ex-soldier served as a platoon commander in the Lahav company of the 9th Armored Battalion, 401st Brigade. The foundation's investigation attributes alleged responsibility to him in four incidents: an attack on Rantisi Children's Hospital in Gaza City in November 2023, the destruction of Bani Suheila Square in Khan Younis in December 2023, the demolition of buildings in Hamad City in March 2024, and the destruction of the Hassan al-Banna Mosque and Tiberias School in Khan Younis in March and April 2024.
These accusations, put forth by the HRF and Urgence Palestine, have not yet been substantiated by a judicial decision. The two organizations are calling for an immediate preliminary investigation and provisional measures to prevent the individual from leaving France, preserve evidence, and ensure the integrity of any future proceedings. They cite French criminal law, the UN Convention Against Torture, the Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the Genocide Convention.
The HRF also criticized French legal restrictions on universal jurisdiction for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, arguing they hinder prosecution of suspects transiting through France. The organization claims to have filed over 100 criminal complaints in 30 jurisdictions and 19 communications with the International Criminal Court since 2024.
