Israeli National Security Minister Will Not Attend UN Police Chiefs Meeting in New York

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir will not attend a UN police chiefs conference in New York this week. A Belgian-based organization said it had submitted complaints to the U.S. Justice Department and the New York Attorney-General asking for an investigation into Ben-Gvir's prison policies. The group stated that the reported cancellation showed accountability was no longer theoretical.

Background on the complaints The organization said it had asked the Justice Department to prosecute Ben-Gvir ahead of the expected trip. It also appealed to New York Attorney-General Letitia James to open an investigation and establish a special team to examine alleged offenses.

Ben-Gvir's office has not confirmed that legal pressure caused the reported cancellation. The minister has defended the Israel Prison Service, stating that prison policy was being carried out legally.

Additional legal actions by the organization The same organization filed a complaint in Italy against an Israeli tourist identified by the initials A.B.A., alleging participation in war crimes during IDF service in Gaza. The complaint was submitted to the public prosecutor's office in Rome and is the group's fourth such filing in Italy.

The allegations have not been confirmed by a court or investigative authority.