William Molinié (in Israel) / Photo credits: LAETITIA NOTARIANNI / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
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11:05 a.m., November 8, 2023
In the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli army is redoubling its efforts to recruit, even outside its borders. 4,000 French people are currently mobilized within Israeli troops, the majority of whom are dual nationals, engaged in the ranks of the IDF. The Europe 1 special correspondent met a 19-year-old Frenchman, just before joining a military preparation program.
The Israeli army is tightening its grip. The IDF is now in the heart of Gaza City, between the ruins of bombed buildings. More than 360,000 soldiers of the Jewish state are mobilized against Hamas. Among them, there are 4,000 French people, mostly dual nationals, who voluntarily enlisted. This is what young Guts wants to do, about to join a military preparation program, met by the special envoy from Europe 1.
Wanting to be “on adrenaline”
At 19, Guts dreams of adventure and thrills. He headed to Israel to undergo military training. “I didn’t want to stay in France too much. I wanted to see the world a little, to see how things were going elsewhere. I find myself in those moments when your heart is really beating at 300, when you’re really on adrenaline. I’m looking for a I still have this feeling a little bit and I know that in the army, I will find it again,” he explains to Europe 1.
Eight-month training
Hebrew lessons, physical activities, community life… Mehina is preparation for military service open to French speakers. Eight months of immersion to select future foreign applicants within the IDF. “I’m also going to see the real side of the war a little bit because seeing the war on your phone, on the screens, is completely different than seeing missiles passing by you. I’m going to see if I’m capable, mentally, to assume this choice. That’s why I’m doing this training, to find out if I’m capable of it and not to jump straight into it, so as not to be an embarrassment to myself and others,” he continues. .
A pre-selection for the Israeli Defense Forces who need new recruits more than ever. If all goes well, Guts should be able to apply to join the special forces next June.