Swiss prosecutors confirmed on Friday that Israeli President Isaac Herzog was the subject of criminal complaints during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The complaints come at a time when Israel faces accusations of committing war crimes in Gaza. The Office of the Swiss Attorney General stated that the criminal complaints would undergo the standard examination procedure, and they would consult the Swiss foreign ministry to assess the question of the individual’s immunity.
According to international legal norms, current heads of states, heads of governments, and foreign ministers typically enjoy immunity from criminal jurisdiction in third countries. The Swiss Attorney General’s office did not disclose specific details about the nature and number of the complaints or identify the complainants.
A spokesperson from President Herzog’s office refrained from commenting on the Swiss prosecutors’ statement, stating only that Herzog had visited Davos to present Israel’s position on the situation in Gaza. During his address at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, Herzog urged the international community to reject allegations of genocide against Israel.
Last week, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In support of its case, South Africa named Herzog and other Israeli officials, claiming they had expressed genocidal intent against Palestinians.
