PALESTINE
Wed 04 Dec 2024 4:10 pm - Jerusalem Time
Israel takes measures to prevent the arrest of its soldiers on charges of war crimes
Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said on Wednesday that the Israeli occupation army has taken a series of unprecedented measures to restrict the travel of its senior leaders and soldiers abroad due to fears that they will be arrested on the basis of orders from the International Criminal Court or local courts.
The newspaper's military correspondent, Yoav Ziton, reported that these measures included asking some commanders and soldiers not to travel abroad, or asking them to return to Israel quickly, or asking them to remove photos and videos of them published on social media that implicate them in committing war crimes in Gaza, as well as not showing their locations when traveling.
In addition to the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant on charges of war crimes, the correspondent revealed that there are organizations supporting the Palestinian cause abroad that have prepared "blacklists" of occupation leaders and soldiers with the aim of legally prosecuting them in their countries.
Organizations in Europe
He explained that this threatens to expose them to arrest or legal prosecution by local courts even in countries that are not signatories to the Hague Convention, such as the United States, China and India.
The reporter said the organizations, which are mainly active in Europe, publish the names and photos of the soldiers online, and follow their posts on social media.
When photos or information about the presence of soldiers in certain countries are published, these organizations file complaints with local authorities in those countries, which opens the door to investigations or even arrests.
Israel discovered about 30 legal threats against soldiers and officers who took part in military operations in Gaza, some of whom were planning to travel abroad.
Israeli measures
The reporter said the Israeli military relied on a risk assessment system to help soldiers determine which countries they could travel to without running a legal risk. These countries, which may have adopted local legislation that could harm Israeli soldiers, include South Africa and some European countries.
He pointed out that the International Criminal Court may later investigate military officers who supervised military operations in Gaza, such as brigade commanders or even the Chief of Staff.
Although current expectations are that the court may focus on senior military leaders, legal prosecutions against soldiers could occur if incriminating evidence is gathered through the media or the Internet.
Government sources reported that Israel has formed a working group between the ministries of defense and foreign affairs, in addition to the military prosecution, in order to confront these threats and monitor changes in local legislation in various countries that may affect Israeli soldiers.
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Israel takes measures to prevent the arrest of its soldiers on charges of war crimes