For the first time, a lawsuit for war crimes and crimes against humanity has been filed in South Korea against seven senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, as reported by Yedioth Ahronoth.
The list also includes Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
This marks the second lawsuit against Ben-Gvir related to the war, with the first filed in Norway and later dismissed. However, it is the first legal action taken against Smotrich.
According to the newspaper, the plaintiffs are seeking a trial for the Israeli officials for crimes committed within the context of the war.
The complaint was submitted to the South Korean police investigation agency by an organization known as “PSPD,” recognized for its left-leaning political stance.
Accusations of Complicity
The organization accuses the Israeli officials of complicity in planning and executing crimes against humanity and genocide, including attacks on humanitarian activities and symbols, medical institutions, and ambulances, as well as the use of prohibited chemical weapons and other unlawful methods of warfare, including induced starvation.
PSPD is urging for the extradition of the seven Israeli officials to Korean authorities to be tried under South Korea’s law concerning “Punishment of Crimes under the Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.”
It is now up to the Korean police to decide whether to refer the case to the public prosecutor for further action.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has reportedly advised Ben-Gvir and the other individuals named to consult with it before any future travel to South Korea to avoid unnecessary risks.
In related developments, the Submarine Inquiry Commission has issued warnings to five leaders involved in the investigation, including Netanyahu and a former Israeli defense minister.
