Report cites IDF data listing Singaporean among dual nationals serving during Gaza conflict
Data released by Israeli NGO Hatzlacha suggests a Singaporean may have been enlisted in the Israeli military, prompting public questions over Singapore’s dual citizenship and foreign military service laws.
- Israeli NGO Hatzlacha data suggests one soldier listed as a dual Israeli-Singapore national.
- Singapore law generally prohibits dual citizenship and unauthorised service in foreign armed forces.
- Authorities have been asked to clarify the report amid public concern.
A report citing data from Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha has raised questions after indicating that a Singaporean may have been enlisted in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) during the Gaza conflict.
The data, obtained under Israel’s Freedom of Information Law, was first reported by British investigative outlet Declassified UK on 11 February 2026.
It was later shared with Al Jazeera by Israeli lawyer Elad Man, legal counsel for Hatzlacha. Singapore-based news outlet AsiaOne also reported on the findings.
According to the figures, among more than 50,000 IDF soldiers holding at least one additional citizenship as of March 2025, one individual was listed as a dual Israeli-Singapore national.
Another soldier was recorded as having multiple nationalities, including Singaporean and Israeli citizenship.
No personal identities or deployment details were disclosed in the released data.
Singapore law does not generally permit dual citizenship.
Minors may hold dual nationality until the age of 21, after which they must choose one citizenship.
Applications may be rejected if a male citizen has not fulfilled obligations under the Enlistment Act.
Under the Constitution, the Government may revoke the citizenship of individuals above 18 who apply for or renew a foreign passport, or who use a foreign passport for travel.
In a Facebook post dated 18 February 2026, former Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs Amrin Amin stated that citizens and permanent residents are prohibited from taking up arms overseas without proper authorisation.
He wrote that Singaporeans “should not take up arms in other people’s wars” and expressed confidence that authorities would handle the matter “thoroughly and fairly”.
"I’m confident our authorities will handle this thoroughly and fairly. If the report isn’t accurate, I hope that will be clarified, " Amrin wrote, adding that transparent findings would be key to maintaining public confidence.
The Online Citizen (TOC) has written to both the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) for comment.
Online reactions to the post included speculation about how a person allegedly linked to the IDF could have avoided detection.
Some commenters questioned whether agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs or other bodies had been aware of the situation.
Others called for clarification on whether existing legislation, including the Internal Security Act, would apply if the claims were substantiated.
Several urged the Government to conduct a thorough investigation and communicate its findings transparently.
The IDF data released by Hatzlacha also detailed the nationalities of other dual citizens serving in the Israeli military.
At least 12,135 soldiers were listed as holding United States passports, with an additional 1,207 holding US, Israeli, and another nationality.
The second-largest group comprised dual French-Israeli nationals, with at least 6,127 listed.
A further 337 soldiers were recorded as holding French, Israeli, and additional citizenships.
The breakdown included at least 5,067 Russian nationals, 3,901 Germans, 3,210 Ukrainians, and 1,686 British nationals enlisted as of March 2025.
The Israeli military noted that soldiers with multiple citizenships may be counted more than once in the data.
Separately, Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is verifying similar data suggesting that an Indonesian citizen may have served in the IDF.
Israel’s military consists of an estimated 169,000 active personnel and 465,000 reservists.
According to the released figures, nearly eight per cent hold dual or multiple citizenships.
The Gaza conflict began after the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 72,000 people have been killed in Israeli military operations as of early 2026.
Various international rights groups have described aspects of the conflict as potential war crimes, while Israel has rejected such allegations.
