Israeli Military’s Multinational Ranks Under Scrutiny as Over 50,000 Dual-National Soldiers Revealed
A recent disclosure by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, reported by Al Jazeera, has unveiled official statistics regarding the significant presence of foreign nationals within the Israeli military. The data reveals that over 50,000 soldiers serving in the Israeli forces hold nationalities in addition to their Israeli citizenship, sparking international discussion on the composition of its military and the legal implications of their involvement in ongoing conflicts.
The Multinational Composition of the IDF
According to the detailed figures, a total of 50,632 soldiers in the Israeli army possess dual or multiple nationalities. The United States accounts for the largest contingent, with 12,135 soldiers holding American citizenship. France follows with over 6,100 personnel, and Russia with more than 5,000. The list further includes thousands of soldiers from a diverse range of countries such as Germany, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Romania, Poland, Canada, and various Latin American nations. Notably, a limited number of soldiers also reportedly hold Arab nationalities, including from Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria, and Algeria. The statistics also indicate that 4,440 soldiers possess two additional foreign nationalities, while 162 individuals hold three or more.
Mounting International Legal Concerns
The deployment of tens of thousands of these dual and multinational soldiers in Israel’s extensive military operations, particularly those ongoing in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, has intensified international legal concerns. Experts highlight the principle of “universal jurisdiction,” which allows for the prosecution of individuals suspected of war crimes, irrespective of their nationality or where the alleged crimes occurred. International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have been vocal in their calls for independent investigations into alleged atrocities and for Western nations to hold their citizens accountable for their actions while serving in the Israeli military.
Global Legal Actions and Investigations
These concerns have translated into tangible legal actions across several countries. In Canada, the federal police have reportedly initiated investigations into potential war crimes involving reservists with dual Canadian-Israeli nationality. Similarly, international courts have received complaints from Belgium and the United Kingdom against hundreds of soldiers, including those holding European nationalities. An investigation by Al Jazeera also alleges that six Israeli snipers with dual nationality were involved in organized killings of civilians in Gaza. The revelation of these figures and the subsequent legal spotlight emerge amidst the devastating humanitarian toll in the Gaza Strip, where operations have reportedly resulted in over 72,000 deaths and 171,000 injuries, alongside the destruction of approximately 90% of the infrastructure.
