MHA aware of reports that 2 Singaporeans fought in Gaza for IDF, is unable to verify claims

The data details how many IDF service members held dual and multiple nationalities as at March 2025. MHA aware of reports that 2 Singaporeans fought in Gaza for IDF, is unable to verify claimsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe data details how many IDF service members held dual and multiple nationalities as at March 2025.PHOTO: REUTERSDaniel LaiandBNB DiviyadhaarshiniPublished Feb 19, 2026, 07:00 PMUpdated Feb 19, 2026, 07:07 PMSINGAPORE – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said it is aware of a foreign news report stating that two Singaporeans were among those who fought for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the conflict in Gaza. However, the MHA told The Straits Times: “MHA does not have any substantiated information at this point that any Singaporean is/was fighting as part of the IDF.” It was responding to queries ST sent regarding a Feb 11 report published by British investigative journalism outlet Declassified UK. Declassified UK said that data from the IDF showed that more than “50,000 IDF soldiers with Israeli and at least one other nationality” had taken part in the conflict.The report indicated that two Singapore passport holders were among them – one Singapore national who was listed as having Israeli citizenship, and another who was listed as holding multiple citizenships.The report did not specify the roles these Singapore citizenship holders purportedly held, nor how long they held these roles for.The Declassified UK article, titled Over 2,000 Britons Served For Israel Amid Gaza Genocide, said the data was obtained via a Freedom of Information request to the IDF by Mr Elad Man, a lawyer with Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha.The cover page of the Israel Defence Forces’ response to Declassified UK. The report did not specify what role the Singapore passport holders reportedly held.PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM DECLASSIFIED UKThe data details how many IDF service members held dual and multiple nationalities as at March 2025, adding that the largest cohorts come from the United States, Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.The issue came to light when former Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs Amrin Amin pointed to a report on the matter in Al Jazeera in a Facebook post late on Feb 18 and said the development is “concerning and needs clarification”. He noted: “Under Singapore law, citizens and permanent residents cannot serve in a foreign armed force without proper authorisation. “The Government has also made clear that Singaporeans should not take up arms in other people’s wars. And there’s also the dual nationality point that Singapore generally does not allow.”He also expressed confidence that the Singapore authorities would handle the matter thoroughly and fairly.In March 2022, amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, MHA had made it clear that it was illegal for Singaporeans to take up arms for a foreign force. Those who try to do so can be imprisoned for life, or up to 15 years. They can also be fined.Under the Singapore Constitution, a person may hold more than one citizenship if they are younger than 21 years old. Afterwards, they will have to decide whether to renounce their Singapore citizenship.The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.According to Palestinian Health Ministry data, Israel’s air and ground assault in Gaza has killed more than 72,000 people since then.The Straits Times has contacted the Israeli Embassy in Singapore for comment.More on this topicS’pore has zero tolerance against those planning to join foreign conflicts: ShanmugamaskST: Can S’poreans join protests overseas? Daniel Lai is a journalist at the ST Now team, covering breaking news and international affairs.See more onIsraelGazaIsrael-PalestineWars and conflictsMinistry of Home Affairs