Over 640 Dutch nationals served in Israeli military amid Gaza genocide, may face war crime prosecution

More than 640 Dutch nationals have served in the Israeli military during the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza and attacks on the West Bank, new data shows, with legal experts warning that those involved could be prosecuted under international and domestic war crimes statutes.

New figures released by the Israeli military show that at least 645 soldiers serving in March 2025 held both Israeli and Dutch nationality, with more than 80 holding a third citizenship, but it is unclear whether inactive reservists were included.

Separate data from US-based charities indicate that at least 21 Dutch nationals traveled specifically from the Netherlands to serve as “lone soldiers,” meaning they joined independently without parents in Israel. The locations of these soldiers’ service - whether Gaza, the 1948-occupied lands, or the occupied West Bank - remain unspecified.

According to Israeli researcher Lior Yohanani, dual citizenship is common among Israelis, with Dutch government estimates suggesting roughly 12,000 Dutch colonizers reside in Israel.

Those holding Israeli citizenship aged 18–29 generally face military conscription, but exemptions are possible for those living abroad.

“Those who do go therefore make a conscious choice to join,” Yohanani added.

In 2025, more than 3,700 lone soldiers from 70 countries served in the Israeli military, highlighting the international involvement in Israel’s military assaults.

Historical records obtained by investigative outlet Investico show the number of Dutch lone soldiers has grown over time - from fewer than ten in the early 2000s, to 34 in 2013, and 20 in 2021.

While joining the Israeli military is not illegal under Dutch law, recruitment inside the Netherlands is prohibited. A leaked 2019 Israeli Justice Ministry memo revealed officials were aware of these legal sensitivities and commissioned a Dutch law firm to review regulations.

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Dutch legal experts warn that dual nationals could face prosecution under the Netherlands’ International Crimes Act if involved in war crimes.

Marieke de Hoon, associate professor of international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam, said the law covers genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, and exposure could be higher for those serving in the occupied West Bank.

She pointed to a 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion describing Israel’s occupation policy as apartheid, adding, “If after that ruling you decide to stand as [an Israeli] soldier at a checkpoint in the West Bank, the argument can be made that you are participating in a crime against humanity - namely apartheid.”

De Hoon stressed that Dutch prosecutors have the authority to investigate and prosecute cases if sufficient evidence emerges.

According to the released figures by the regime, 50,632 Israeli troopers hold an additional foreign citizenship.

As per the data, 12,135 soldiers hold US citizenship, the largest group by a significant margin, followed by more than 6,100 French nationals and over 5,000 Russian nationals.

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