Swiss prosecutors have received criminal complaints against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, alleging that he committed war crimes during Israel’s 2021 war on Gaza, Reuters reported.
The complaints were filed by an unnamed group of individuals, and they allege that Herzog bears responsibility for the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians during the war.
The Swiss Federal Office of Justice said in a statement that it would investigate the complaints “in accordance with the usual procedures.” The office also said that it would consult with the Swiss Foreign Ministry to determine whether Herzog’s immunity as a head of state would prevent him from being prosecuted.
The complaints allege that Herzog authorized the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians, including the use of airstrikes and artillery shelling. They also allege that he failed to take adequate steps to protect civilians from harm.
Herzog’s office has not responded to requests for comment.
The complaints come at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Palestine. In recent months, there have been a number of deadly clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The complaints are also significant because they raise the possibility that a head of state could be held accountable for war crimes in a foreign country.
