Foreign Fighters in the IDF: A Growing Trend and Legal Implications
Recent data reveals a significant number of foreign nationals serving in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). In March 2025, at least 645 Dutch citizens were listed as serving in the IDF, according to documents obtained by the British research collective Declassified UK and the Israeli NGO Hatzlacha. This follows a revelation that over 2,000 British nationals served in the IDF during the Gaza conflict.
Dual Nationality and the Scale of the Phenomenon
The figures highlight the extent to which individuals with dual or multiple nationalities are participating in the IDF. Of the Dutch citizens serving, 559 held both Dutch and Israeli nationality, while 86 possessed three or more passports, including a Dutch one. Similarly, the data from Declassified UK shows 1,686 British-Israelis and a further 383 people with British, Israeli, and another nationality served in the IDF. These numbers contribute to a total exceeding 50,000 IDF soldiers with Israeli and at least one other nationality, with significant cohorts coming from the US, Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany.
Legal Ramifications for Foreign Nationals
The participation of foreign nationals in the IDF, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict, raises complex legal questions. While it is not inherently illegal for Dutch citizens to serve in a foreign army, they could face prosecution in the Netherlands if proven to be involved in war crimes. British authorities have so far failed to prosecute citizens returning home after fighting in Gaza, a situation that legal experts argue should change.
Paul Heron, a lawyer with the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), emphasized the need for accountability, stating there should be “no impunity where credible evidence links British nationals to grave breaches of international law.” The UK has, he argues, clear duties to prevent genocide and avoid assisting unlawful military action.
Previous Cases and Concerns
Concerns about the safety and potential legal repercussions for foreign fighters have already surfaced. In 2024, family members of Israeli soldiers in the Netherlands received threats. Two Israeli soldiers on vacation in the Netherlands cut their trip short due to fears of prosecution, as a pro-Palestinian group threatened legal action against them.
The Rise in Data Transparency
Previously, data on foreign nationals serving in the IDF was limited to “lone soldiers” – those without Israeli citizenship – with numbers as low as 54. The recent Freedom of Information request issued to the IDF by lawyer Elad Man from Hatzlacha has brought the scale of the phenomenon to light, prompting increased scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a Dutch citizen to serve in the IDF?
Not necessarily, but Dutch citizens could be prosecuted if they are found to have committed war crimes while serving.
What is the role of Hatzlacha in this issue?
Hatzlacha is an Israeli NGO that requested the data from the IDF through a Freedom of Information request.
What is Declassified UK’s involvement?
Declassified UK is a British research collective that published the data obtained by Hatzlacha.
Are there any concerns about the safety of foreign fighters?
Yes, there have been instances of threats against family members of Israeli soldiers in other countries, and soldiers themselves have expressed fear of prosecution.
Explore further: Read the full report from Declassified UK.
