Gaza Herald – The Hind Rajab Foundation has called on U.S. authorities to arrest an Israeli soldier holding American citizenship, identified as “Jake,” over his involvement in war crimes and systematic demolition operations in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the foundation said the request comes as the soldier is currently in Los Angeles attending World Cup-related events, where he is suspected of participating in acts linked to genocide and large-scale destruction carried out in Gaza.
The organization noted that this is not the first action taken against the same individual, as a similar case was previously filed in Sri Lanka last month while he was on holiday there.
These legal efforts are based on documented evidence of the soldier’s military activity within the Israeli army, making him potentially subject to international prosecution under laws that criminalize violations against civilians during the genocide.
According to the foundation, the soldier serves in the Israeli army’s “603rd Battalion,” a unit reportedly central to the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza since October 2023.
Human rights reports cited by the organization indicate that the battalion has been involved in approximately 65 demolition operations targeting residential neighborhoods, mosques, industrial facilities, and agricultural sites, in addition to the unlawful detention of Palestinian civilians.
The soldier was reportedly directly linked to at least one demolition operation in Khan Younis during the military campaign in Gaza.
Field investigations and digital evidence, including social media posts, show his presence in active combat zones in Khan Younis and Rafah, documenting military attacks on the ground.
The Hind Rajab Foundation concluded its statement by urging international actors and the U.S. judiciary to take action to hold perpetrators of serious violations against Palestinians accountable.
It reaffirmed its commitment to legally pursuing those implicated in crimes and documenting violations to ensure accountability and prevent impunity for those involved in the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
