Ban British Citizens Joining the IDF

Dear [MP’s Name], 

I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the increasing number of British citizens joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential involvement of these individuals in documented international crimes. Recent reports indicate that “hundreds” of British citizens have flown to Israel to serve in the IDF, and given the well-documented daily occurrences of war crimes by the Israeli military, it is crucial that immediate action is taken.

The continued perpetration of war crimes by the IDF necessitates urgent intervention from the government to prevent further British recruits from travelling to Israel to participate in these actions. Our government has a solemn duty to safeguard its citizens from potential radicalisation that may lead to the commission of international crimes or involvement in terrorist activities as part of the IDF.

In this context, it is noteworthy to highlight the inconsistency in the government’s approach, particularly when compared to its policy on British citizens going to fight in Ukraine. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has rightfully questioned this disparity, noting that “the Government has made it clear that British citizens should not travel to fight in Ukraine, and those who do could be committing a criminal offence.”

This criminal offence is based on Section 4 of the Foreign Enlistment Act 1870, which expressly prohibits a British subject from enlisting in the military of a foreign state at war with another foreign state, with which the UK is at peace. Despite the absence of a formal declaration of war by Russia or Ukraine, the government, in 2014, responded to a petition asserting that this Act does not apply to British Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, citing that Israel “has not made a declaration of war.” This rationale demands clarification, especially in light of the ICJP’s persistent calls for resolution in early November 2023.

In addition to calling for a ban on further recruitment of British citizens into the IDF, I would like to draw your attention to the imperative need for an investigation by the UK Counterterrorism and Major Crimes Division into the activities of current serving British IDF soldiers. This step is crucial to ensure that individuals with British citizenship are not engaged in actions that violate international law or compromise the security and well-being of civilians.

I appeal to your sense of duty as our elected representative to advocate for a clear and consistent policy that prohibits British citizens from joining the IDF under the current circumstances, and a rigorous investigation into the activities of British citizens currently serving in the IDF. Such a stance would not only safeguard our citizens from potential involvement in war crimes but also underscore our commitment to upholding international law and human rights.

I kindly request that you use your influence to bring this matter to the attention of the relevant authorities and work towards implementing measures that prevent further recruitment of British citizens into the IDF. Your support in this crucial matter is vital, and I am confident that your efforts will contribute to upholding the principles of justice and accountability on the international stage.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing about the actions taken in response to this urgent appeal.

Your constituent,

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