An internal document obtained by VG highlights that at least 35 Norwegians served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the Gaza war, a conflict that has seen over 70,000 Palestinian deaths. The document was made available through a freedom of information request by Israeli lawyer Elad Man, who is working for the Israeli organization Hatzlacha. This revelation occurs amidst serious accusations against the IDF regarding war crimes, particularly with the International Criminal Court (ICC) having issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in the conflict.

In the context of this ongoing war, legal experts caution that Norwegian citizens could face prosecution for participating in war crimes, raising profound legal and ethical questions regarding the involvement of foreign nationals in military operations abroad. The document reveals that these individuals hold dual citizenship, complicating their legal standing and potential implications under Norwegian and international law. It provokes a debate about the responsibilities of citizens who choose to serve in foreign military forces amid grave humanitarian crises.

As the conflict unfolds and international scrutiny mounts, the existence of Norwegians in the IDF raises concerns about national complicity in international law violations. This situation further complicates Norway's position on the Middle Eastern conflict, as public opinion may shift in response to revelations of citizen involvement in such contentious military actions. The implications extend beyond legal matters, affecting Norway’s international reputation and relations with both Israel and Palestine.