Tel Aviv – The Israeli military is facing a critical shortage of personnel, potentially jeopardizing its operational effectiveness, according to a stark warning delivered by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The message, reportedly sent to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and the head of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Boaz Bismuth, highlights the severity of the situation.
Zamir’s communication, issued last week, emphasized that the “acute shortage of combat soldiers threatens the operational competence of the army.” He argued that the security landscape of the past two years has presented unprecedented challenges, significantly impacting the military’s manpower resources.
To address the shortfall, Zamir is advocating for an extension of mandatory military service for men from 32 to 36 months. This proposal comes amid ongoing internal debate about military service exemptions, particularly for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has publicly criticized the current government, stating that Zamir’s warning is a clear indication of the danger facing the military. Bennett specifically targeted a proposed law that would exempt Haredi individuals from military service, arguing that it undermines the army’s capabilities and endangers Israel’s security.
The Haredi community, comprising approximately 13% of Israel’s population, largely avoids military service, citing their dedication to religious study and concerns about integrating into secular society. For decades, they have obtained repeated deferrals, ostensibly for religious studies, until reaching the age of exemption, currently set at 26.
Zamir’s warning arrives as Israel continues its military operations. Official figures indicate significant casualties within the Israeli army since October 7, 2023. The situation has intensified the debate surrounding military manpower and the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the long-term security of the nation.
