Global 195: ICJP issue formal notice to Bulgaria calling for arrest of IDF soldiers for suspected war crimes
Sofia/London, 26th August 2025 – ICJP’s Global 195 Coalition has filed a formal notice to Bulgarian police regarding a member of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) suspected of participating in war crimes and has since received confirmation from Bulgarian authorities that this complaint has been escalated. We have reason to believe that this individual is currently present within Bulgarian jurisdiction, and that domestic police must urgently investigate and arrest the individual.
The individual is believed to have served as a reserve soldier in the 646th Paratroopers Brigade. Photographic evidence shows the suspect in IDF uniform during their deployment in the ‘Swords of Iron’ Israeli offensive on Gaza.
Open-source investigation reveals that the 646th Paratroopers Brigade was operating in central Gaza in January 2024. The IDF also publicly stated that the 646th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade completed its mission in Gaza and withdrew.
The Coalition calls on Bulgarian police to arrest and detain the individual, pursuant to Bulgarian law and in compliance with Bulgaria’s international obligations under the Rome Statute, and in accordance with Article 6 of the Criminal Code of Bulgaria. Bulgaria also acceded to the Genocide Convention in 1950 and must actively prosecute and punish acts of genocide under these international law obligations. ICJP’s complaint has now been escalated by the Bulgarian National Investigation Service Prosecutor’s Office to the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor’s Office.
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.
The notice was drafted by members of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians’ Global 195 coalition. The complaint is based on over 130 eyewitness testimonies of war crimes perpetrated by Israel in Gaza. This material meets international criminal legal standards and the coalition notified Bulgarian police that they are willing to make evidence available to them for their consideration and use in legal proceedings.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- 1. 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.
- 2. 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.