Israeli former soldier leaves Brazil over investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza

Israel has helped a former soldier leave Brazil after legal action was initiated against him by a group accusing Israelis of war crimes in the Gaza Strip based in part on their own social media posts. Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying it had helped the former soldier safely depart from Brazil after what it described as “anti-Israel elements” tried to bring about an investigation. It warned Israelis against posting on social media about their military service. The case raised the prospect that rank-and-file Israeli soldiers could face prosecution abroad over their actions in Gaza, where Israel has been at war with Hamas for nearly 15 months.