A Washington Post report notes that roughly 10,000 Israeli citizens who live, work, or study in the United States were summoned to military service and joined the Israeli army. The article details that this mobilization level reflects a significant portion of the diaspora that maintains formal ties to Israel and is drawn into national service when mobilization orders are issued.
The publication describes the figure as an estimate of people in the United States who responded to a mobilization order and chose to enlist in the Israeli military. The pool includes U.S. citizens and others who have connections to Israel, such as students and international workers, who may be eligible or obligated to serve under Israeli law or practice. The report emphasizes that eligibility is not limited to Israeli citizens alone but extends to those with recognized ties who decide to answer the call for service in moments of national need.
Alexander Ben Zvi, who once served as Israel’s ambassador to Russia, has indicated that Russians holding dual citizenship have been actively mobilized by Israel. He stressed that these individuals are Israeli citizens and are subject to the same obligations as any other Israeli citizen. According to his account, thousands of Russians who hold dual nationality have already been conscripted into the Israeli army, underscoring how dual nationals and residents with ties to Israel can become entwined in nationwide defense efforts during conflicts or heightened security operations.
Prior to the Gaza operation, the Israeli Defense Forces engaged in a preparatory effort that included distributing additional equipment to reserve soldiers. Specifically, thousands of bulletproof vests were provided to reserve units in a bid to bolster readiness in advance of ongoing or anticipated military activities. This step reflects the broader pattern of reinforcing reserve capabilities in the context of heightened security concerns and the need to ensure that reserve personnel are equipped for rapid deployment when mobilization occurs.
Daria Dolginova, a native of Chelyabinsk who previously lived in Israel, shared that her husband was called up for military service as a reserve officer. Her account illustrates the personal dimension of mobilization, where individuals with established lives abroad may still be drawn into service because of their ties to Israel and the obligations surrounding national defense. Such stories help convey the human impact of policy decisions that affect diaspora communities and international residents who retain a connection to the country of their origin.
These reports collectively illuminate how mobilization practices can touch a diverse set of people across borders. They highlight the complex interplay between nationality, residency, and military obligations, especially in a period of regional tension and security concerns. The discussions around these mobilization dynamics also shed light on how nations manage citizen-soldier obligations that extend beyond traditional borders, incorporating individuals who hold dual citizenship or preserve strong affiliations with the homeland. The conversations reflect ongoing debates over the balance between collective security and individual rights as communities navigate the implications of active duty calls in times of conflict.