Hind Rajab Foundation requests US Justice Department to prosecute Ben-Gvir
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a complaint with the US Justice Department, seeking the prosecution of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for alleged war crimes, genocide and incitement to genocide ahead of his expected visit to New York on 7-8 July.
The Belgium-based rights group urged US authorities to open a criminal investigation, issue an arrest warrant or prevent Ben-Gvir from leaving US jurisdiction while the case is examined.
The complaint reads: “From the moment Ben Gvir assumed his role as Minister of National Security, he has made it his explicit goal to worsen conditions for Palestinians detained in the Israel Prison Services (IPS)."
HRF said that Palestinians detained by Israel have been subjected to starvation, beatings, shackling, sleep deprivation, denial of medical care and sexual violence, adding that at least 46 Palestinians died in Israeli custody between October 2023 and August 2025.
The complaint said that participants in Gaza-bound flotillas in 2025 and 2026, including US citizens, were abused after being detained by Israeli forces.
HRF said the filing relies on the US War Crimes Act and Genocide Statute and forms part of a broader effort to pursue accountability through domestic courts.
🚨🇺🇸 The #HindRajabFoundation filed a request for prosecution with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for war crimes—including against U.S. nationals—genocide, and direct incitement to genocide, ahead of his expected… pic.twitter.com/yXAJPOcIPQ
— The Hind Rajab Foundation (@HindRFoundation) June 27, 2026