What would Israel's policy be on a Christian immigrating there, specifically to serve in the IDF?

Christians are not permitted to immigrate to the Holy Land in the west of Palestine since it's seizure by the Zionists in 1948,or in the east since it was occupied in 1967. No one may immigrate unless they are either religiously or geneologically jewish. You would have to convert. Christians were welcome to immigrate to the Holy Land under both the Ottomans and the British Mandate. Many American families migrated there in the 1870's and lived there until 1948-49 when their Palestinian nationality - citizens of Mandate Palestine - became legally defunct with the end of the Mandate and they were denied permanent residency and hence were expelled. Palestine was 20% Christian by 1947; today it is 2%. Evangelicals are routinely deported for teaching Christianity. Meanwhile here in the U.S. tv evangelists receive huge subsidies from the tel Aviv regime for promoting "Israel". The consequence is that American evangelicals have become like you passionate supporters of their own enemy. But life is filled with irony. All Christian-operated hospitals,clinics,orphanages and schools were seized by the "Israeli" government in 1949 and in the West Bank in 1967-68. It should be noted that the Muslim-dominated government of Jordan did interfere with Christianity in any way during the intervening 19 years when the West Bank was part of Jordan; their particular nightmare began with the arrival of the conquering armies of zion. You really need to do some research and pay less attention to Pat Robertson and the 700 Club.

I think most Israelis would be incredibly touched. 30% of Israeli citizens are non Jews and non Jews do and can emigrate to Israel, so it's entirely possible. I'm not sure what the IDF policy is; you might be able to get more information from the Israeli Embassy in your country, if there is one. You'd have to go through a rigorous security check, naturally, but if it's something you feel passionately about doing, go for it! (if it's a hypothetical question, ignore what I've just said :) )

Why would you want to put your life at risk? Or to be better put, why would you want to put others lives at risk?

If you have a Jewish mother you are Jewish and will qualify for citizenship which involves mandatory military service. Halacha is incorporated into Israeli law where Jewish identity is concerned; you were misinformed.

Zangwill is exactly right. Citizenship is based on ethnic Jewishness not religious Jewishness. Most Israelis aren't all that religious. If your mum is a Jew you're a Jew.

You might find it difficult. Have you visited before? I recommend it highly before trying to make aliyah. You will have a hard time assimilating into the IDF since you will be an "alien species" as regards your Jewish peers' perception of you. They will not understand why you would want to make aliyah in the first place, since you are not Jewish and that they would trade places with you in a second in order to live in the West. I agree that Israel needs all the righteous and just people it can get. If you are one, don't let my answer discourage you. Just know that it will require great sacrifices and exemplary motivation on your part to make your aliyah successful. To unforsak: In order to have a fulfilling life, it is really good to have a cause to live/die for. I can't think of a better reason to make aliyahl.

You could serve in the IDF as a Sar-El volunteer any time. It would probably be a good first step. EDIT: If you have a Jewish mother then by Jewish law you are also considered to be Jewish. I'd still recommend Sar-El though - you need to know what you're getting yourself in for.

I recommend you try learning Hebrew before you decide.

if your mother is a jew, you are a jew whether you practice or not, and will be considered a jew by the israeli goverment