Israel is reportedly offering permanent residency to approximately 30,000 African asylum seekers if they join the Israeli military, according to local media.
The Israeli daily Haaretz revealed that the government is using the promise of permanent status to incentivize asylum seekers to participate in military operations in Gaza.
Defense officials are said to view this strategy as a means to address manpower shortages while capitalizing on the asylum seekers’ desire for legal residency.
The report indicates that the asylum seekers are being recruited under organized procedures guided by legal advisers, though ethical concerns have been raised.
To date, no asylum seekers who have joined the military efforts have received official residency status.
Most of the asylum seekers are young men from African countries, with around 3,500 Sudanese currently holding temporary status.
During the recent Hamas attack on October 7, three asylum seekers were killed, leading many to volunteer for military or civilian roles.
Some critics argue that this recruitment strategy exploits vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict, a concern reportedly not addressed publicly.
South Africa has warned its citizens that joining the Israeli army could lead to prosecution under international law.
The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has been condemned for its severe humanitarian impact, with over 41,000 deaths and widespread displacement reported.