Pro-Palestinian group demands US arrest IDF veteran at World Cup

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian organization, has called on the US Justice Department to arrest a dual Israeli-American citizen serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The veteran arrived in Los Angeles to attend World Cup matches.

The HRF, whose director is reportedly affiliated with Hezbollah, previously filed a complaint against the same individual in Sri Lanka in May. The foundation alleges that the veteran is part of Company D of the 603rd Combat Engineering Battalion, which they claim has been instrumental in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

According to HRF's claims, the 603rd Battalion's activities have gone beyond its stated duties of mine clearance and fortification, focusing instead on the systematic destruction of civilian areas. The foundation asserts it has documented at least 65 controlled demolitions by the battalion between October 2023 and mid-2025, targeting residential buildings, mosques, agricultural lands, and industrial facilities. They also allege the unit was involved in attacks on hospitals and unlawful detention of civilians.

HRF further claims its investigation links the soldier to specific incidents of destruction in Khan Yunis during October-November 2025. They cite social media posts by the veteran, allegedly showing him inside Gaza and participating in controlled demolitions within destroyed civilian structures, as evidence of his direct involvement. The foundation suggests these actions are part of a larger strategy to make parts of Gaza uninhabitable and facilitate territorial division.