According to Jerusalem post, Israel’s Military Advocate General (MAG), Major General Itay Offir, has said the country is facing what he described as unprecedented international efforts to delegitimize its actions through what he called false accusations of war crimes and genocide.
Speaking publicly for the first time since assuming office in November 2025, Offir said Israel is under pressure from several international institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the United Nations.
According to him, legal challenges against Israel have intensified following the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with various global bodies pursuing investigations and cases against Israeli officials and military personnel.
Offir specifically referenced the genocide case brought against Israel at the ICJ by South Africa, dismissing the allegations as baseless. He noted that South Africa recently requested an 18-month extension to respond to Israel’s latest legal submissions in the case.
The military legal chief said Israel’s legal teams would continue to defend the country against the accusations, adding that the proceedings could last for years.
He also pointed to ongoing ICC investigations, which have already led to arrest warrants being sought against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Reports have also suggested that other senior Israeli officials could face similar legal action.
Offir further criticized a recent report by the United Nations Secretary-General’s office that placed Israel on a blacklist of countries accused of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. He described the allegation as unfounded and part of a broader campaign to damage Israel’s international standing.
According to him, one of the key responsibilities of the military legal division is to ensure that the Israel Defense Forces, IDF, can conduct military operations while maintaining legal legitimacy on the global stage.
Despite his criticism of international institutions, Offir stressed that the military justice system remains committed to investigating and prosecuting Israeli soldiers who violate military regulations or international law.
One of his first major decisions as MAG was the withdrawal of indictments against five soldiers accused of assaulting a Palestinian detainee at the Sdei Teiman detention facility.
Offir clarified that the decision did not amount to a declaration of innocence for the soldiers. Rather, he argued that procedural issues, including the alleged leaking of evidence before trial, had compromised the possibility of a fair prosecution.
The controversy surrounding the case contributed to the resignation of former MAG Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi and several senior legal officials.
Observers say Offir now faces the dual challenge of restoring public confidence in the military legal system while defending Israel against growing international scrutiny over its conduct during the war.
His remarks come amid continued debate over accountability, military operations, and the role of international law in the ongoing Middle East conflict…..See More
Leave a Reply