British Nationals in the Israel Defense Forces: History and Legal Controversies
The relationship between British citizens and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spans over a century, evolving from early military cooperation to modern legal and political disputes. While some view the service of dual nationals as a personal choice, others have raised concerns regarding international law and the obligations of the UK government.
The Early Foundations
Long before the formal establishment of the State of Israel, British military figures played pivotal roles in shaping the foundations of what would become the Israeli army. Between 1915 and 1939, two officers in particular were instrumental in this process.
John Henry Patterson led the Jewish Legion, which is widely regarded as the precursor to the IDF. Following this, Orde Charles Wingate operated out of Jerusalem, where he managed the Special Night Squads during the nationalist Arab uprising. Due to their contributions, both men are often referred to as the British "godfathers" of the Israeli army.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Political Tensions and the 2014 Gaza War
The presence of British citizens in the IDF became a point of political contention during the 2014 Gaza War. MP Grahame Morris questioned then-Prime Minister David Cameron on whether British citizens serving in the IDF should be treated similarly to those returning from fighting with terrorist groups, citing evidence of Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
Prime Minister Cameron rejected the comparison, stating that the MP would likely regret equating a soldier in the IDF with a terrorist returning from Syria. This debate highlighted a perceived legal gap; in March 2017, former Conservative Party chairwoman Sayeeda Warsi urged the government to close a loophole that she claimed protected British citizens fighting for state actors like Israel while penalizing those fighting for non-state actors.
Legal Challenges and the 2023 Gaza War
The conflict beginning in October 2023 brought renewed scrutiny and legal action regarding British dual nationals serving in the IDF.
War Crimes Allegations
In April 2025, the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) submitted a 240-page report to the Metropolitan Police's War Crimes Team. The report accused 10 British nationals of committing war crimes between October 2023 and May 2024, including murder, attacks on humanitarian personnel, and the forcible transfer of people.
The Foreign Enlistment Act 1870
In October 2025, the International Centre for Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) attempted to secure a summons against a British citizen for unlawfully fighting for Israel. The complaint cited Section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870, which prohibits British citizens from accepting military service with a foreign state that is at war with another state that is at peace with the UK. However, in April 2026, Judge Paul Goldspring dismissed the case, ruling that the application was an abuse of the court process driven by improper motives.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Data on Dual Citizenship and Public Petitions
While early reports suggested only about 50 Britons served during the conflict, data obtained in 2026 by the Israeli NGO Hatzlacha via Freedom of Information laws revealed a much higher number. The data indicated that 1,686 soldiers held dual British-Israeli citizenship, with an additional 383 soldiers holding British, Israeli, and a third passport.
The 2026 Open Letter
In June 2026, a group of political figures, including Green Party leader Zack Polanski and former MP Jeremy Corbyn, signed an open letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Organized by Declassified UK and the ICJP, the letter requested the creation of a database of British-Israeli dual citizens who served after the October 7th attacks and proposed airport disclosure mandates for IDF soldiers entering the UK.
A corresponding petition garnered nearly 15,000 signatures by June 4, 2026. This move was strongly condemned by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who described the petition as a form of discrimination and an attempt to demonize Israelis.
Key Facts
- Founding Influence: John Henry Patterson and Orde Charles Wingate are considered the British "godfathers" of the Israeli army.
- Legal Framework: The Foreign Enlistment Act 1870 prohibits serving in a foreign military at war with a state at peace with the UK.
- Personnel Numbers: 2026 data showed 1,686 dual British-Israeli soldiers, far exceeding initial estimates of 50.
- Legal Outcome: A 2026 court case regarding the Foreign Enlistment Act was dismissed as an abuse of process.
| Period/Event | Key Figures/Entities | Primary Issue/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1915–1939 | Patterson & Wingate | Establishment of the Jewish Legion and Special Night Squads. |
| 2014 Gaza War | David Cameron & Grahame Morris | Debate over comparing IDF service to terrorist activity. |
| April 2025 | PCHR & PILC | Report submitted to Met Police accusing 10 Britons of war crimes. |
| October 2025 | ICJP | Legal challenge based on the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870. |
| June 2026 | Zack Polanski & others | Petition for a database of dual citizens serving in the IDF. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the British "godfathers" of the Israeli army?
John Henry Patterson, who led the Jewish Legion, and Orde Charles Wingate, who oversaw the Special Night Squads, are referred to as the British "godfathers" due to their roles in early military organization between 1915 and 1939.
What is the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870?
It is a UK law that makes it an offense for a person to accept a commission or engagement in the military service of a foreign state that is at war with another foreign state that remains at peace with the UK government.
How many British dual nationals served in the IDF according to 2026 data?
According to data obtained by the NGO Hatzlacha, 1,686 soldiers held dual British-Israeli citizenship, and another 383 held British, Israeli, and a third nationality.
What was the outcome of the ICJP's legal application in 2026?
Judge Paul Goldspring dismissed the case, describing the application as an abuse of the court process driven by improper motives and breaches of the duty of candour.
What did the June 2026 open letter propose?
The letter urged the UK government to create a database of British-Israeli dual citizens who served since the October 7th attacks and to implement airport disclosure mandates for those traveling from Israel to the UK.