Pro-Palestinian Group Files Criminal Complaint in Vietnam Against CEO of Israeli Right-Wing NGO
The Belgian pro-Palestinian organization Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) filed a criminal complaint in Hanoi, Vietnam, against Matan Gerfi, CEO of the Israeli right-wing group Im Tirtzu. Gerfi, currently on vacation in Vietnam, is accused by HRF of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and incitement to genocide related to his alleged military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The organization demands his arrest, investigation, and prosecution by Vietnamese authorities.
HRF claims Gerfi served in the IDF's Combat Engineering Battalion 749 and later in Battalion 920 of the Northern Regional Brigade 769, allegedly participating in the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and southern Lebanon between December 2023 and November 2024. The group accuses him of direct involvement in illegal property destruction and inciting violence against the Palestinian population, citing public statements attributed to Gerfi that call for forced expulsion, killing, and starvation of Palestinians.
The complaint references Gerfi's remarks portraying Gaza civilians as part of Hamas and justifying attacks without mercy, as well as his support for permanent displacement of Palestinians and opposition to humanitarian aid to Gaza. HRF emphasizes that Vietnam, as a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and the Genocide Convention, is obligated to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of serious international crimes on its territory, regardless of where the crimes occurred.
HRF has a history of filing legal complaints against Israeli soldiers and officials worldwide, often based on social media content posted by soldiers during their service. Previous complaints targeted figures such as retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter, comedian Guy Hochman, and several Israeli ministers and Knesset members. Most of these complaints have not resulted in official action. HRF's founder and CEO, Diab Abu Jaja, a Lebanese Shiite affiliated with Hezbollah, stated that Gerfi's actions and statements constitute ongoing incitement to genocide requiring immediate judicial review.
Im Tirtzu describes itself as a movement strengthening Zionist values, and Gerfi is noted as a 39-year-old former Golani Brigade reservist. The organization and Gerfi have not publicly responded to the complaint. HRF's legal campaign reflects ongoing international efforts by pro-Palestinian groups to hold Israeli military personnel accountable for alleged war crimes through foreign legal systems.