Two IDF soldiers arrested in Belgium, investigated for war crimes accusations - Yoav Etiel, Jerusalem Post Staff

by Yoav Etiel, Jerusalem Post Staff

The Hind Rajab Foundation said the two Israeli soldiers were visiting Belgium to participate in the Tomorrowland music festival.

 

Israelis and Iranians meet at Tomorrowland Festival in Belgium, holding both Israeli and Iranian flags.

(photo credit: Courtesy Lishi Amor) 

Two IDF soldiers were arrested and interrogated by Belgian authorities following a complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), an anti-Israel legal organization focused on pursuing legal action against IDF soldiers, the Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday, following HRF's statement.

The soldiers, who were participating in the Tomorrowland music festival, were alleged to have participated in war crimes, according to HRF.Antisemitism is at a record high. We're keeping our eyes on it >>

The soldiers were later released shortly after the investigation. The IDF and the Foreign Ministry are in contact with the two Israelis. 

The legal complaint was filed by HRF and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN).

HRF said the two individuals were waving the flags of the IDF’s Givati Brigade, which has been “involved in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and in carrying out mass atrocities against the Palestinian population.”

Flags being flown at the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium. (credit: Canva, SCREENSHOT/X)

Overall, the atmosphere of the Tomorrowland festival was described as friendly towards Israelis. Young Israelis filmed themselves waving Israeli flags, engaging in conversations with Palestinians wearing keffiyehs who displayed their flag, and even taking photos with Iranians. 

The alleged waving of the specific unit's flag in question likely went one step too far and drew the attention of two individuals.

HRF's central office and operations are based in Brussels, Belgium's capital, providing the organization with an advantage when conducting its activities there. 

Hind Rajab Foundation praises Belgium's action

"For the first time in Europe, Israeli suspects linked to crimes in Gaza have been subjected to formal arrest and questioning," HRF claimed.

"This development is a significant step forward," HRF stated, as it "signals that Belgium has recognized its jurisdiction under international law and is treating the allegation with the seriousness they deserve."

"And to states watching around the world: universal jurisdiction is not just a principle — it is an obligation," the statement continued.

"The Hind Rajab Foundation and GLAN welcome this breakthrough with determination and humility. We will continue to support the ongoing proceedings and call on Belgian authorities to pursue the investigation fully and independently. Justice must not stop here — and we are committed to seeing it through," they concluded.

Israelis and Iranians attending the Tomorrowland music festival in Boom, Belgium, were pictured flying Israeli and Iranian flags together.

Mathilda Heller and Yifat Rosenberg contributed to this report.

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Yoav Etiel, Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-861739

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