Legal Organisations Demand AFP Action Against Israeli General
Three prominent legal groups have formally requested the Australian Federal Police investigate and potentially arrest retired Israeli general Doron Almog over historical war crimes allegations. The request comes as Israeli president Isaac Herzog prepares for a controversial visit to Australia, with Almog expected to travel as part of the presidential delegation.
Historical Allegations Resurface
The Australian Centre for International Justice, alongside Palestinian human rights organisations Al Haq and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, have submitted detailed documentation to the AFP. Their submission focuses on Almog's tenure as Commanding Officer of the Israeli military's Southern Command between 2000 and 2003, during which they allege "countless and extensive human rights violations and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions" occurred in Gaza.
Almog, a decorated former officer who received Israel's highest honour, the Israel Prize, has consistently denied all allegations against him. The legal groups specifically reference two incidents from 2002: the destruction of more than 50 Palestinian homes near Rafah and the al-Daraj bombing that killed 14 civilians while targeting a Hamas leader.
Previous Legal Encounters
This is not the first time Almog has faced legal action over these allegations. In 2005, a London court issued an arrest warrant for him, leading to a dramatic incident at Heathrow Airport where Almog remained on an El Al plane for two hours after being warned of the warrant, before returning to Israel without disembarking. That warrant has since been withdrawn.
Rawan Arraf, executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, stated emphatically: "Given it is likely he will be allowed to enter the country, he must be arrested. He must answer to the credible allegations made against him. This impunity that Israel and its leaders enjoy must end."
Broader Context of Presidential Visit
The legal action occurs against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding President Herzog's upcoming Australian visit. The invitation was extended following the Bondi massacre in December, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating it aimed to foster "a greater sense of unity." However, several Labor MPs have expressed discomfort with the invitation.
Former Labor minister Ed Husic voiced particular concern, noting the difficulty of reconciling Herzog's role in signing artillery shells destined for Gaza with notions of social cohesion. Herzog has denied allegations made by a UN commission that he incited genocide against Palestinians, claiming his comments were taken out of context.
Current Status and Response
The AFP has confirmed receiving the submission and has referred it to their Special Investigations Command for assessment. Under Australian law, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions constitute serious criminal offences, and Australia has obligations to investigate such allegations when presented with credible evidence.
Almog currently serves as chairman of the executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel, an organisation dedicated to encouraging Jewish immigration to Israel. The legal groups have also requested investigation into his role with this organisation, alleging involvement in authorising Israeli settlement activity in occupied territories.
Neither Almog, the Jewish Agency for Israel, nor the AFP have provided public comments on the specific allegations at this time. The situation continues to develop as legal experts examine Australia's obligations under international law regarding alleged war crimes committed outside its jurisdiction.
