Pro-Palestinian Group Urges New York Prosecutor to Investigate Israeli Minister Ben Gvir Ahead of US Visit

The Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgian pro-Palestinian organization, has formally requested the New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, to open a criminal investigation into Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. This move comes ahead of Ben Gvir's planned visit to New York City on July 7 and 8, where he is expected to attend a police chiefs conference at the United Nations headquarters.

The foundation, which has previously petitioned the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Ben Gvir, alleges that since assuming office in 2022, he has overseen policies involving systematic torture, killings, abuse, and forced displacement of Palestinians. They accuse him of responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and incitement to genocide, citing American law and international treaties as grounds for U.S. jurisdiction.

The Hind Rajab Foundation has called on the New York Attorney General to collaborate with federal authorities and take all possible legal actions during Ben Gvir's stay in the city. The foundation is known for pursuing international legal campaigns against Israeli military and political figures, leveraging universal jurisdiction principles.

The foundation's founder, Diab Abu Jahjah, a Lebanese Shiite with ties to Hezbollah, holds Belgian citizenship and is barred from entering the United States. Israeli officials have categorically rejected the allegations against Ben Gvir. In response, Ben Gvir expressed pride in the Israeli Prison Service's implementation of his policies, emphasizing adherence to the law and a firm stance against what he described as leniency toward terrorists in prisons.

No official response from Ben Gvir's office has been issued regarding the latest complaint. The upcoming investigation request marks a continuation of international legal pressure on Israeli officials amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.