By Micah Jonah, February 18, 2026
A Chilean court is examining a criminal complaint filed against Rom Kovtun, a former Israeli army sniper who served in Gaza during Israel’s two-year-long military operations in the enclave. The case was brought by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), which accuses Kovtun of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.
Kovtun’s social media posts, showing him holidaying in Chile, enabled the HRF to invoke the principle of “universal jurisdiction,” allowing Chilean courts to prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes even if the acts occurred elsewhere. Kovtun served in Israel’s 424th Shaked Battalion and is alleged to have played a central role in the siege of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza between March and April 2024, which reportedly caused the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including medical personnel and newborns.
HRF lawyer, Pablo Andres Araya emphasized that the accused would likely not face trial in Israel, making Chile a viable venue under both domestic law and the ICC Rome Statute incorporated into Chilean legislation.
Chile, home to the largest Palestinian diaspora outside the Middle East, has historically expressed sympathy for the Palestinian cause. However, legal experts note that the case is strictly judicial, and its complexity may allow significant delays, including the possibility that Kovtun could leave the country before proceedings conclude.
