SINGAPORE: There is no substantial information to confirm that two Singaporeans fought for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the conflict in Gaza, said Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam on March 5.
Shanmugam was responding to parliamentary questions from Dennis Tan (Hougang), adli Fawzi (Aljunied) and Hazlina Abdul Halim (East Coast) about a report published by British investigative journalism outlet Declassified UK.
Declassified UK said IDF data showed more than “50,000 IDF soldiers with Israeli and at least one other nationality” had taken part in the conflict.
The report indicated that two Singapore passport holders were among them – one Singapore national who was listed as having Israeli citizenship, and another who was listed as holding multiple citizenships.
Said Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs: “Our position has always been quite clear and publicly stated. Singaporeans should not participate in any foreign armed conflict not involving Singapore. Our loyalties as Singaporeans should only be to Singapore, and we should only ever engage in military action in defence of Singapore.
“If Singaporeans are found to be fighting or even planning to fight in foreign armed conflicts, these persons will be dealt with in accordance with our laws. We have stated that, and have detained people in the past for that reason.
“They can be dealt with under the Internal Security Act if they are found to be a threat to our national security. Those who are found to be holding multiple citizenships may also be deprived of their Singapore citizenship.”
Tan later asked if the government has sought clarification with the Israeli government to verify the allegations in the report.
Shanmugam replied: “The Government has asked the Israeli government. We have not received a response. And one must understand that there are obviously difficulties that other governments may face in complying with this request.”
“While (this) is an offence under Singapore law, and we consider it to be contrary to our national interest, it may not be an offence in Israel, nor it may be an offence in other countries.
“And persons who may be doing these things in other countries, whether in Ukraine or Russia, or in the Middle East elsewhere, or for Israel, may not be under any legal obligation to declare their dual citizenship or any other fact relating to themselves.
“And in such situations those governments may not be able to even force them to give answers.”
He added that Singapore authorities will take action against these individuals if there is credible information found. - The Straits Times/ANN
