The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into a dual-national serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over allegations of war crimes committed in Gaza.
According to reports from Belgian media on Friday, the soldier, in his early twenties, was born and raised in Uccle, a suburb of Brussels, and is a member of the IDF’s elite Multidimensional Unit, also known as the “Refaim” (Ghost) Unit.
The investigation follows accusations that the soldier targeted unarmed civilians during military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The complaint was filed by the Association Belgo-Palestinienne (ABP), invoking section 136 of the Belgian penal code, which classifies war crimes as a criminal offense.
Under Belgian law, courts are authorized to prosecute Belgian citizens for crimes carried out abroad, making the case against the dual-national feasible under the nation’s jurisdiction.
The ABP’s complaint references statements made by a senior American officer who previously served in the IDF unit.
The officer reportedly informed Palestinian journalist Younus Tirawi that war crimes were occurring, specifically mentioning the targeting of civilians who were uninvolved in the conflict.
The American officer also allegedly compared Gaza to the biblical city of Sodom, destroyed by divine wrath, and labeled its residents as “Amalekites,” a term from the Old Testament linked to enmity against the ancient Israelites.
The Multidimensional Unit, composed of 21 personnel, includes eight dual nationals from various countries: three Americans, two French nationals, as well as individuals from Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
The unit’s operational scope involves advanced combat techniques, intelligence, and other military activities. The complaint represents a significant legal move amid heightened tensions, with ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas drawing international attention.
While Belgium has previously explored prosecuting IDF soldiers for alleged war crimes, cases have often faced challenges in gathering sufficient evidence or jurisdictional complexities.
The current investigation marks another attempt to hold military personnel accountable for actions in conflict zones.
Given the international dimension, particularly involving soldiers with dual citizenship, the case could set a precedent for prosecuting war crimes committed by individuals linked to foreign armed forces.
The situation in Gaza has prompted large-scale demonstrations in Belgium, with protesters demanding an end to the violence and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The recent surge in legal complaints aligns with broader global efforts to scrutinize military conduct in conflict areas, as human rights organizations and advocacy groups continue to push for legal accountability.
As the investigation progresses, the Belgian authorities are likely to face diplomatic sensitivities due to the involvement of foreign nationals.
The outcome may influence future cases involving allegations of war crimes by dual nationals, testing the limits of Belgian and international legal frameworks.