Absolutely reckless. These kinds of comments do fuel the demonization of the IDF, Israelis, and Jewish communities—and contribute directly to the climate enabling antisemitic terror attacks. A war crime is a serious legal charge, not a throwaway term. It requires four conditions: an armed conflict; an act that violates the law of armed conflict; criminal intent; individual responsibility under law. War crimes must be determined through investigation, evidence, and judgment by a competent legal body—a court, tribunal, or a military’s own justice system. Unless that happens, claims remain just that: allegations, not determinations. Using “war crime” casually or politically not only spreads misinformation—it also undermines real accountability. It’s a specific legal term, not a synonym for “wrongdoing in war.” For example, a soldier who violates rules of engagement (ROE) might face military discipline—but that does not make it a war crime unless it meets strict IHL standards. Likewise, tragic civilian deaths during lawful attacks on military targets, if not intentional and not disproportionate, are not war crimes. Let’s get the law—and the facts—right.
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