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Israel Defense Forces: British Nationals Abroad

Question for Home Office

UIN 2654, tabled on 20 November 2023

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department has provided recent guidance to (a) UK citizens and (b) dual-nationals who volunteer as (i) reservists and (ii) active personnel in the Israeli Defence Force.

Answered on

23 November 2023

The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and against all travel to some locations in the region.

By definition, a British dual national is a citizen of the UK and any other nation for which they hold citizenship. Dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) is allowed in the UK and dual nationals may be liable for military service in the country of their other nationality. The UK recognises the right of British dual nationals to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationality.

Anyone who travels to conflict zones to engage in unlawful activity, should expect to be investigated upon their return to the UK. Decisions on prosecutions are taken independently by the police and Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis.

Answered by

Home Office
Named day
Named day questions only occur in the House of Commons. The MP tabling the question specifies the date on which they should receive an answer. MPs may not table more than five named day questions on a single day.