A Brussels-based advocacy organization has lodged a criminal complaint against Israeli reservist Matan Jerafi with Vietnamese authorities, alleging his involvement in war crimes and genocide during recent conflicts in Gaza and southern Lebanon. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) claims that Jerafi, who heads the Israeli organization Im Tirtzu and served in the 920th Infantry Battalion of the 769th Brigade, actively participated in the unlawful destruction of civilian property.
Evidence of War Crimes
The HRF asserts that Jerafi’s actions constitute war crimes under several international statutes, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute. Specific allegations include his direct participation in the devastation of civilian infrastructure at various sites within Gaza, particularly Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps, as well as in the Shujaiya and Rimal neighborhoods of Gaza City between December 2023 and January 2024. Following this period, the foundation claims he was dispatched to southern Lebanon between October and November 2024, where he allegedly continued similar acts of destruction.
The conflict’s recent history is marred by severe violence. After a ceasefire in November 2024, hostilities resumed on March 2, resulting in extensive casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Although a ceasefire agreement calls for Israel’s withdrawal from various areas in southern Lebanon, the nation remains in control of certain territories, provoking international outcry.
Incitement to Genocide
In addition to war crimes, the HRF accuses Jerafi of public and direct incitement to genocide. The foundation cites statements by Jerafi that appear to bolster violent measures against Gaza’s civilian population, including a public assertion that “Gaza’s civilians are part of Hamas. We must not have mercy on them,” made on February 1, 2024. Such declarations, according to HRF, represent a deliberate incitement to genocide under relevant international frameworks.
Furthermore, Jerafi allegedly advocated for the displacement of Palestinians, stating that “there shouldn’t be an agreement without emigration” on July 9, 2025. The HRF argues that these remarks constitute a direct violation of the Genocide Convention and escalate concerns regarding Jerafi’s influence and intent.
Calls for Accountability
The HRF has urged Vietnamese authorities to detain Jerafi and launch a thorough investigation, emphasizing Vietnam’s obligations as a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and the Genocide Convention. The organization contends that Vietnam is responsible for prosecuting individuals suspected of committing serious international crimes, regardless of where these actions took place or the perpetrator’s nationality.
HRF Director-General Dyab Abu Jahjah emphasized the gravity of Jerafi’s culpability, suggesting that his public advocacy further exacerbates the situation. Natacha Bracq, head of Litigation at HRF, insisted that Jerafi’s presence in Vietnam is unacceptable, given his alleged role in inciting violence against Palestinians.
The case adds to ongoing efforts by various rights organizations to pursue legal action against Israeli military personnel for war crimes committed against Palestinians. Named after Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed by an Israeli strike, HRF stands as a beacon for accountability in a complicated and devastating conflict. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians and has left substantial physical and emotional scars on the surviving population. With profound ramifications for humanitarian law, this situation warrants urgent international attention and action.