National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will reportedly not attend a UN police chiefs conference in New York this week, though the Hind Rajab Foundation alleged on Saturday that his visit had been canceled amid legal pressure.
The Belgian-based pro-Palestinian organization claimed the cancellation was a result of complaints it filed in the United States against Ben-Gvir over his prison policies. Ben-Gvir’s office has not confirmed whether the visit was canceled due to legal proceedings or activist pressure.
The latest reported development comes after the HRF asked the US Justice Department to prosecute Ben-Gvir ahead of his expected trip to New York.
Ben-Gvir had been expected to attend the UN Chiefs of Police Summit in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday. HRF said it had submitted a complaint to the US Justice Department and, together with the Center for Constitutional Rights, had appealed to New York Attorney-General Letitia James to open an investigation.
The organization said the reported cancellation showed that “accountability is no longer theoretical,” adding that it would continue pressing US authorities to investigate Ben-Gvir. The group called on James to meet complainants and establish a special team to examine alleged offenses connected to New York residents in Judea and Samaria and Gaza.
Ben-Gvir's office refuses to confirm HRF's allegations
There was no official confirmation from Ben-Gvir’s office that the reported cancellation was linked to HRF’s legal efforts.
Ben-Gvir defended the Israel Prison Service, saying prison policy was being carried out legally. Notably, there have been multiple disputes over Palestinian prisoner conditions in Israeli custody, though the Israel Prison Service has rejected allegations of systematic neglect.
The national security minister has rejected allegations regarding his prison policies.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a series of complaints against Israeli soldiers, officers, ministers, and senior officials in multiple countries in recent months.
Walla reported on Saturday that the foundation filed a complaint in Italy against an Israeli tourist, identified by the initials A.B.A., alleging that he participated in war crimes and crimes against humanity during his IDF service in Gaza.
According to the report, the complaint was submitted to the public prosecutor’s office in Rome and is the organization’s fourth such legal move in Italy. HRF claimed that the Israeli served in Combat Engineering Battalion 749 and was stationed in Gaza from November 2023.
The organization alleged that A.B.A. took part in what it described as Israel’s “genocide” in the Gaza Strip and in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, particularly in the Netzarim Corridor. The allegations have not been confirmed by a court or investigative authority.