According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the number of foreign volunteers (non-Israeli nationals) seeking to join IDF ranks has been steadily increasing in recent years. 2015 was a record year, especially against the backdrop of a resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe, and the French were not ignored.
French volunteers have surpassed the number of U.S. soldiers who have increased their ranks in the IDF for the first time. Traditionally, the largest group of volunteers seeking to serve in IDF ranks came from the Atlantic Ocean. The attack on the hypercatcher in Porto de Vincenz seems to have changed the situation.
43% of the volunteers are from France, up from 38% last year in the United States. To some extent, volunteers come from Russia, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Germany, South Africa, Morocco, Panama and Peru (381 in total).
The Ministry of Defense has decided to reduce the bureaucratic procedures for integrating volunteers from abroad.
After a month of preparation and integration, young recruits are committed to 18 months, after which some decide to expand their service. 90% of volunteers, especially motivated ones, serve in combat units.
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