Global 195: ICJP issue formal notice to Hungary calling for arrest of IDF soldier for suspected war crimes
Budapest/London, 29th July 2025 – ICJP’s Global 195 Coalition have formally notified Hungarian police that we have reason to believe that a member of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) suspected of participating in war crimes is currently present within Hungarian jurisdiction. ICJP calls for the arrest and detention of the individual pursuant to Hungarian law.
The Coalition has submitted a dossier to Hungarian police with photographic and written evidence, detailing the individual’s combat record. He is believed to have served in the spearhead company in the 932 Battalion, also known as ‘Granite battalion,’ of the Nahal Brigade in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
He is believed to have served in this company from at least October-December 2023. During this period, the Nahal Brigade operated in El Zeitoun neighbourhood and Beit Hanoun in the North of Gaza. In November and December of 2024, the Brigade was also involved in the Rafah incursion.
The evidence shows that he made statements calling for the burning of Palestinian villages. Separately, footage from April 2024 shows the Commander of the 932 Battalion spealing about the ‘blowing’ of Palestinians in the same manner that was conducted in the North of Gaza.
The Coalition calls on Hungarian police to arrest and detain the individual, pursuant to Hungarian law and in compliance with Hungary’s international obligations under the Rome Statute and open a formal investigation into their potential role in war crimes, including violations of the laws and customs of war and crimes against humanity.
Whilst Hungary announced on 3 April 2025 its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the withdrawal process takes one year, in accordance with Article 127 of the Rome Statute. This means that Hungary is still bound by its obligations under the Rome Statute during this time period.
Given that the ICC has issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli government and military figures, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and ex-Defense Minister Gallant, it follows that military personnel are likely to have participated in the acts constituting the basis of the ICC warrants and will therefore attract criminal liability for their own acts.
Hungary also ratified the Genocide Convention on 7 January 1952 and must actively prosecute and punish acts of genocide under these international law obligations.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- For more information, to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, or to view a full copy of the letter, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com.