In a message posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday, Phares stated that individuals from South Sudan, Uganda, the Central African Republic, Darfur, Somaliland and Biafra could be willing to support the defence of Israel, Kurdistan and the Iranian people against what he described as extremist Islamist groups and militias aligned with Iran.

The post, however, did not indicate that any recruitment programme had been launched, nor did it suggest that governments or authorities from the mentioned countries and regions had endorsed such an initiative. Phares also provided no evidence that volunteers from those areas had expressed interest in joining any military effort.

Phares, a Lebanese-American academic and political commentator, is well known for his work on international security, counterterrorism and foreign affairs. He served as a foreign policy adviser during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and has previously advised former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Over the years, he has also briefed institutions including the U.S. Congress, the United Nations Security Council and the European Parliament on security-related issues.

His remarks come at a time of heightened instability in the Middle East, where Israel remains involved in conflicts linked to Iran, Lebanon and Gaza. International organisations and rights groups have continued to raise concerns over allegations of war crimes connected to the ongoing hostilities.

According to Phares, any volunteers would not only support Israel but would also stand with Kurdistan and the Iranian people in opposition to militant organisations and groups loyal to Iran’s ruling establishment.

As of publication, South Sudanese officials had not publicly responded to the proposal. There was also no indication from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) or any government body that citizens were being recruited or encouraged to participate in military activities abroad.

South Sudan and Israel have maintained diplomatic ties since the East African nation gained independence in 2011. Cooperation between the two countries has included areas such as agriculture, water resources, healthcare, education and technical training.

Despite these relations, no publicly announced agreement exists that would allow or facilitate the recruitment of South Sudanese citizens into Israel’s armed forces or security institutions.

Under current South Sudanese law, there is no known government policy authorising the recruitment or deployment of civilians to take part in foreign conflicts outside recognised international or state arrangements. Any citizen seeking to serve in a foreign military would remain subject to the legal requirements of both South Sudan and the host country.

Phares also identified Biafra, Somaliland, Darfur (Sudan), Uganda and the Central African Republic as possible sources of volunteers. However, he did not explain why those particular regions were mentioned or whether any consultations had taken place with governments, community leaders or relevant organisations.

By the time of publication, neither the Israeli government nor the Government of South Sudan had issued official statements regarding the comments. Additionally, there was no independent confirmation that any recruitment effort connected to Phares’ proposal had begun.