Belgian Group Files War Crimes Complaint in Portugal Against Israeli Soldier
The Belgian organization Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), known for targeting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers abroad, has filed a new complaint in Portugal against an Israeli soldier identified as A.E., who is reportedly on leave in Lisbon. HRF accuses him of war crimes, alleging he served in the 890th Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade and participated in systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, citing social media posts purportedly showing controlled demolitions in the Gaza Strip's Nitzanim corridor.
This is not the first complaint HRF has filed in Portugal; last July, they accused another Israeli reservist sniper from Battalion 8114 of war crimes during fighting in Gaza. HRF has submitted dozens of complaints against IDF soldiers in about 15 countries, leading to investigations in Brazil, Peru, Romania, and Chile. The foundation also forwarded the names of roughly 1,000 soldiers and officers to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity during recent conflicts.
HRF has additionally targeted senior Israeli military and political figures, including former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi, former IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari, former Defense Minister Yoav Galant, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite IDF regulations prohibiting soldiers from posting images in uniform or from operational areas to avoid such accusations, HRF continues its legal campaign.
HRF is led by Diab Abu Jahjah, a Lebanese-Belgian activist linked to Hezbollah, who is barred from entering the UK and flying over US airspace. HRF’s litigation head, Natasha Barak, stated the complaint demands Portugal fulfill its legal obligations and deny safe haven to those committing atrocities against civilians. So far, Portuguese authorities have not publicly responded to these complaints.
The IDF emphasizes the importance of soldiers adhering to social media guidelines to prevent international legal repercussions, but HRF’s ongoing efforts represent one of the most aggressive legal campaigns against Israelis worldwide.
