Under the Israeli Security Service Law, all Israeli citizens in Israel and abroad are required to enlist in the IDF, even if they hold dual nationality and they permanently reside abroad -
click here for the law.
Israelis who live abroad need to file an application to determine their military status when they reach they age of 16 and 4 months, and before the age of 19!
Israelis who wish to enlist can get in contact with the MEITAV representative in Europe - meitav@paris.mfa.gov.il
Please note that the IDF has launched an email for enquiries for Olim who wish to serve in the army - joinidf@digital.idf.il
The status filed for by the applicant does not necessarily grant a permanent exemption from the military, rather a temporary exemption conditioned on periods of stay in Israel.
Who can apply for an exemption?
Men over the age of 26, who have their military status determined and fulfil the criteria set by the military, may submit a request for a permanent exemption from the military via the consulate.
Women over the age of 22, who have their military status determined and fulfil the criteria set by the military, may submit a request for a permanent exemption from the military via the consulate.
How do I file an application to determine military status?
The application can be sent by e-mail to consular1@london.mfa.gov.il
There is no mandatory presence required, only in certain cases where we shall advise.
Please send the following in the e-mail to the consulate:
2. Photocopies of Israeli passports held by the applicant and the parents (even if expired)
3. Photocopies of any foreign passports held by the applicant and the parents (valid passports only).
Special cases:
Divorced or separated parents- please attach any legal documents showing which parent has custody of the child. If no such documents exist, please provide an original notarised statement by the parent who has custody of the child. This can be done at a private notary and the original posted to the consulate, or can be done at the consulate for 12 GBP via appointment.
The consulate can only grant exemptions based on residency abroad. Applicants who have resided the majority of their life in Israel and wish to apply for an exemption on religious or medical grounds can only do so in Israel at one of the IDF recruitment centres.
Processing times:
Applicants aged 16.4-19 can have their status determined immediately - unless parents are divorced or separated, or if the applicant has stayed in Israel longer than the military guidelines.
Applicants aged 19+ will have their case sent for examination in Israel, and will have an answer from the IDF in 4 weeks unless special circumstances apply.
This service is free of charge.