Israeli authorities have begun recruiting hundreds of African refugees to participate in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This move involves leveraging the refugees’ legal status, with promises of permanent residency in exchange for their military service.
Although Israel has not officially acknowledged the presence of mercenaries, it has not denied the recruitment of some refugees.
A report by Haaretz reveals that the recruitment process is being conducted in an organized manner under the legal supervision of the security agencies.
The issue surfaced after several refugees complained that Israel had failed to deliver on promises of legal status.
Approximately 30,000 African asylum seekers live in Israel, predominantly from Eritrea, Sudan, and Ethiopia.
The Israeli government has been seeking to reduce their numbers through various measures, while the court has mandated temporary legal status for about 3,500 Sudanese individuals.
In response to the Hamas attack on October 7, some asylum seekers volunteered for roles in agriculture and civil operations.
Reports indicate that several hundred refugees have shown interest in joining the Israeli military’s Gaza operations. The security agencies have used this opportunity to offer them permanent legal status in exchange for their service.
One refugee, who had previously sought to enlist in the military to integrate into Israeli society but was turned down, described being contacted by the police for a meeting at a security facility.
He was informed that exceptional individuals were being sought for military service, highlighting the conflict as critical for Israel.
Despite ongoing discussions, he chose not to enlist due to concerns over the lack of guarantees regarding his legal status and potential recognition if injured during service.
The report from Haaretz indicates that refugees have been involved in crucial operations, some of which have been publicly reported.
The ethical implications of using refugees who have fled war-torn countries have been debated, though concerns have reportedly been suppressed. The situation highlights the complex moral and legal challenges associated with managing refugee populations in conflict zones.
