Numerous human rights experts accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Nevertheless, hundreds of Swiss citizens served in the Israeli army last year – and a Jewish youth organisation prepares them for their military service.
In March 2025, around 50,000 dual- and multiple-nationality soldiers were part of the Israeli army (IDF) – including more than 500 Swiss nationals ((Thousands of Western nationals fought Israel’s war on Gaza: What to know | Explainer News | Al Jazeera) ).
Some of them were also deployed in Gaza: The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) says at least two Swiss citizens have died during IDF operations in Gaza since October 2023.