THE Israelis have helped a soldier flee Brazil after legal action was initiated against him by a group accusing Israel of war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry admitted today it had helped the soldier flee Brazil after what it described as “anti-Israel elements” tried to bring about an investigation last week. 

It warned Israelis against posting on social media about their military service.

The Hind Rajab Foundation, named for a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, said Brazilian authorities had launched an investigation after it filed a complaint based on video footage, geolocation data and photographs showing the soldier taking part in demolishing civilian homes.

It described the move as a “pivotal step toward accountability for crimes committed in Gaza.”

There was no immediate comment from Brazilian authorities. 

Brazilian media reported Saturday that the investigation was ordered by an on-call federal judge in Brazil's Federal District. It was issued on December 30 but first reported by local media over the weekend.

Israel has faced heavy international criticism over its invasion of Gaza, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister. 

The International Court of Justice is separately investigating genocide allegations.

The Brazil case raised the prospect that rank-and-file Israeli troops could also face possible prosecution while travelling abroad.

Israel rejects all allegations of wrongdoing, claiming its forces in Gaza are acting in accordance with international law and that any violations are punished within its own judicial systems. 

Throughout the nearly 15-month war, Israeli soldiers have posted numerous videos from Gaza that appear to show them rummaging through private homes and blowing up or burning residential buildings. 

In some, they chant racist slogans or boast about destroying the Palestinian territory.