Israel’s use of foreign mercenaries in attacks on Gaza sparks debate

ISTANBUL (AA) – Recent revelations by a French lawmaker and the South African government, as well as media reports of a Spanish mercenary in the Israeli army, have sparked a debate about the Israeli army’s employing mercenaries for attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

Israel has a history of using mercenaries from various countries, including the US, France, Spain, and Ukraine, in its wars since 1948, but the Israeli government has opted to remain silent this time.

On Dec. 7, Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed that the number of Israeli soldiers killed by resistance forces was significantly higher than what the Israeli military admitted.

Based on this discrepancy, he suggested that Israel might be using mercenaries in Gaza.

There have been calls in the French parliament for the prosecution of dual French citizens fighting alongside the Israeli army in Gaza.

South African government has warned its citizens fighting alongside the Israeli army in Gaza of legal action, confirming the presence of mercenaries to support Tel Aviv in its fight against the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.

The interview conducted by Spain’s El Mundo newspaper with a Spanish mercenary in the Israeli army provides compelling evidence that Israel employs mercenaries for a weekly payment of €3,900 (approximately $4,300).

– French mercenaries –

The revelation by the French radio network Europe1 about 4,185 French Israeli dual citizens enlisting in the Israeli army for the war on Gaza has stirred controversy in France and beyond.

The report includes testimony from Ethan (22), a French Jewish mercenary and current sergeant in the Israeli army who enlisted two years ago and is currently serving on the front lines in the Gaza Strip.

It prompted action in the French parliament, with MP Thomas Portes calling for the prosecution and condemnation of dual citizen mercenaries involved in war crimes. Portes urged the Justice Minister to ensure their trial on French soil.

The Association France Palestine Solidarity (AFPS) also chimed in, calling the presence of French soldiers in the Israeli army “disgraceful.”

– South Africa –

The US, France, Spain, and Ukraine tolerate their citizens serving in the Israeli army, often portraying them as “heroes” rather than “war criminals” in local media, whereas South Africa takes a different stance.

When South Africa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs learned that citizens are considering joining, or have already joined, the Israeli army, it immediately warned of legal action and potential citizenship revocation for dual citizens.

South Africa, one of five countries filing a case with the International Criminal Court against Israel for war crimes in Gaza, saw its President, Cyril Ramaphosa, describe the events in Gaza as “genocide.”

The Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern in a statement issued on Dec. 18 over reports of South African citizens and permanent residents considering joining the Israeli army.

Such a move would violate international law, pave the way for further crimes, and could lead to prosecution of these individuals, the ministry said in a statement.

– Israel remains silent –

Despite numerous reports that Israel is using mercenaries in Gaza, the Tel Aviv administration remains silent on the matter and refuses to reveal the number of such mercenaries.

The Geneva-based Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor reported in 2014 that there were 6,000 mercenaries in the Israeli army, with at least 2,000 of them from the US.

A report from the Israeli Knesset Research and Information Center stated that between 2002 and 2012, the annual average number of mercenaries, also known as “lone soldiers,” was 5,500.