UK declines to share stance on Britons fighting for Israeli army

British MPs have warned that the government must not allow British nationals to fight in the Israeli military after it emerged that Israel is mulling the recruitment of Jewish youths from abroad to fight in its army due to severe manpower shortages.

Middle East Eye asked the Home Office and the Foreign Office what the government's stance on UK nationals enlisting in the Israeli military is.

The Home Office declined to comment and referred MEE to the Foreign Office. The Foreign Office declined to comment and referred MEE to the Home Office.

Scottish National Party MP Chris Law told MEE: "The UK government must warn against enlistment and ensure that anyone who ignores these warning and does enlist is subsequently held accountable to international law."

Army Radio reported this week that the Israeli government was looking at a possible campaign to reach out to the diaspora to fill vacancies within the ranks of the military.

The broadcaster said the military was currently struggling with a shortfall of 10,000 to 12,000 troops, driven largely by the refusal of ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve.

Attempts to recruit the conservative minority, who have traditionally enjoyed exemption in return for pursuing religious study, have so far failed to yield results.