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Americans Can Now Become Israeli Citizens, Serve in Armed Forces, and Keep Citizenship

October 15, 1969
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A United States Embassy spokesman said here today that Americans could no longer lose their citizenship if they become citizens of Israel or serve in Israel’s armed forces. He said that the “new interpretation” of U.S. regulations governing dual citizenship announced early this year by Attorney General John Mitchell applies to Americans in all foreign countries.

According to the Embassy official, an American could lose his U.S. citizenship only if he renounced it, injured American interests or fought against the U.S. He observed that the latter situation was not likely to arise in Israel. Another basis for revoking American citizenship would be active participation in the politics of a foreign country not simply by voting but by running for public office, he said.

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