Hanoi: A Brussels-based advocacy group has filed a criminal complaint with Vietnamese authorities against Israeli reservist Matan Jerafi, accusing him of war crimes, genocide, and incitement to genocide during Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip and southern Lebanon. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), in their statement, highlighted Jerafi's role as the CEO of the Israeli organization Im Tirtzu and his service with the 920th Infantry Battalion of the 769th Brigade, alleging his involvement in the unlawful destruction of civilian property in these regions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the complaint provides evidence of Jerafi's participation in the destruction of civilian infrastructure in key areas within Gaza, such as the Bureij and Maghazi refugee camps, as well as the Shujaiya and Rimal neighborhoods of Gaza City, which occurred between December 2023 and January 2024. The foundation further claims that Jerafi was relocated to southern Lebanon between October and November 2024, where he allegedly continued similar activities.
The conflict between Israel and Lebanon resumed on March 2, after a ceasefire agreement in November 2024, following a war that started in October 2023. The prolonged fighting has resulted in extensive casualties and damage, with Israel maintaining a presence in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire terms mandating withdrawal.
HRF asserts that Jerafi's actions constitute war crimes under numerous international statutes, including Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 85(3)(a) of Additional Protocol I, and various articles of the Rome Statute. Additionally, they claim his actions meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute.
The advocacy group also accused Jerafi of inciting genocide, citing public statements advocating the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, justifying civilian attacks, opposing humanitarian aid, and promoting the idea of a 'new Nakba'-a mass displacement.
HRF quoted Jerafi's statement from February 1, 2024, saying, "Gaza's civilians are part of Hamas. We must not have mercy on them." Furthermore, on July 9, 2025, he reportedly stated, "there shouldn't be an agreement without emigration," which the foundation interprets as a call for the displacement of Gaza's population.
The foundation called on Vietnamese authorities to detain and investigate Jerafi, emphasizing Vietnam's obligations as a signatory to the Geneva and Genocide Conventions to pursue individuals suspected of grave international crimes, regardless of the crime's location or the suspect's nationality.
HRF Director-General Dyab Abu Jahjah emphasized that Jerafi's culpability extends beyond his direct involvement in alleged war crimes, accusing him of using his platform to advocate for a genocidal campaign. Natacha Bracq, head of Litigation at HRF, criticized Jerafi's presence in Vietnam, urging the authorities to fulfill their international responsibilities by detaining him and initiating a thorough investigation.
The Hind Rajab Foundation is among several rights groups aiming to hold Israeli military personnel and officials accountable through international legal proceedings for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians. Named after a Palestinian girl killed in an Israeli attack, HRF's mission underscores the ongoing legal battles confronting Israel in international courts over accusations of war crimes and genocide.