February 20, 2026 | 11:55 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Nearly 200 citizens from Southeast Asia are listed among more than 50,000 members of the Israeli military who hold dual citizenship or foreign passports, according to official data obtained by an Israeli non-governmental organization.
The figures, secured by the Hatzlacha NGO through Israel’s Freedom of Information Law and reported by CNA on Friday, February 20, 2026, show that as of March 2025 the Israeli military included 111 Filipino citizens, 71 Thai citizens, four Vietnamese citizens, two Singaporean citizens, and one Indonesian citizen.
The data indicate that the largest group of dual nationals in the Israeli military originates from the United States. At least 12,135 personnel hold both Israeli and U.S. citizenship, while another 1,207 hold an additional foreign passport. Other significant groups come from France (6,464), Russia (5,169), Germany (4,193), and Ukraine (3,266).
Among Asian passport holders identified in the data were 201 from India, 76 from Japan, nine each from Hong Kong and South Korea, seven from China, three from Taiwan, and two each from Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The figures have fueled debate over the legal responsibility of foreign nationals serving in the Israeli military amid the ongoing war in Gaza, which Palestinian authorities say has killed more than 72,000 people since October 2023.
The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict. Separately, allegations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza are being examined by the International Court of Justice in a case brought by South Africa.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of dual nationals being prosecuted abroad for alleged war crimes in Gaza. However, legal complaints have been filed in several countries, including France, Italy, South Africa, and Belgium, and some authorities have initiated preliminary inquiries.
Responding to CNA’s questions, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it was aware of foreign media reports that two Singaporean citizens had fought for the Israeli military.
“MHA does not have any substantiated information at this point that any Singaporean is/was fighting as part of the IDF,” a spokesperson said.
Singapore does not permit dual citizenship for adults, though minors may hold two passports until age 21.
In Indonesia, the Foreign Ministry said it could not immediately confirm the reported involvement of an Indonesian citizen but would coordinate with relevant authorities and take action in accordance with national law.
Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship for adults, and those who voluntarily acquire another nationality can lose their Indonesian citizenship.
Israeli law requires mandatory military service for most citizens at age 18, with men typically serving about 32 months and women about 24 months, followed by reserve duty obligations. Dual citizens residing abroad are generally exempt from mandatory service, according to media reports.
In the Philippines and Thailand, dual citizenship is permitted, and national laws do not automatically criminalize service in foreign armed forces.
Thai authorities have previously clarified that Thai migrant workers in Israel are distinct from individuals of Thai-Israeli descent who may serve in the Israeli military reserves.
Read: Why Is Indonesia Sending Thousands of Troops Into Gaza?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google New
Why Is Indonesia Sending Thousands of Troops Into Gaza?
40 menit lalu
Indonesia will join the Board of Peace and will send troops to Gaza. It's a risky move politically but President Prabowo says he has good reasons.
Trump's 'Board of Peace' Members Pledge $7 Billion for Gaza
4 jam lalu
Board of Peace members have vowed to provide billions for Gaza's reconstruction, with some also sending troops. Trump also pledged $10 billion.
Palestinian Journalists Tortured in Israeli Prisons: Report
19 jam lalu
A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists, a US-based NGO, lists accounts of media professionals held by Israel since October 7, 2023.
Trump's Board of Peace Set for Inaugural Meeting on Gaza
23 jam lalu
US President Trump has invited members to the first meeting of his Board of Peace.
Fact Check: Video Claims Indonesian Forces Killed 170 Israeli Soldiers Are False
1 hari lalu
Several social media accounts falsely claim Indonesian forces killed 170 Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
UN Security Council Blasts Israel's West Bank Plans
1 hari lalu
UN Security Council have warned that Israel's efforts to expand control in the West Bank posed a threat to prospects of a two-state solution.
Ramadan Begins with Food Shortages in Gaza Despite Israel Ceasefire
1 hari lalu
Palestinian residents in Gaza face food shortages and restrictions as the Israeli attacks continue ahead of Ramadan.
Israeli Company Wins Indonesia's Geothermal Project in N. Maluku
1 hari lalu
PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia is a subsidiary of Ormat Technologies Inc., a global geothermal energy company founded in 1965 in Yavne, Israel.
Israel Arrests Al-Aqsa Mosque Imam Ahead of Ramadan
1 hari lalu
Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in East Jerusalem ahead of Ramadan.
Berlinale: Dozens Accuse Film Festival of 'Silence' on Gaza
2 hari lalu
Over 80 Berlinale participants signed an open letter criticizing its silence on Gaza after the director defended filmmakers who declined to comment.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5357081/original/011599400_1758518426-expressive-young-girl-posing.jpg)