Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to extend mandatory military service due to a worsening personnel shortage in the army.
According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu made this declaration during a security cabinet meeting after Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that the military might face collapse if the issue is not addressed.
Netanyahu stated that the government intends to revise conscription laws and prolong service periods after the Jewish Passover holiday. Despite objections from a legal adviser to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding easing draft requirements for ultra-Orthodox Jews, Netanyahu asserted that the final decision rests with the government.
Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs mentioned that the government will explore both extending service and introducing a new draft law immediately after the holiday. Israeli army spokesman Effie Defrin reported a shortage of about 15,000 troops, including 8,000 combat soldiers.
Military officials highlighted expanding operational demands, such as ongoing operations in Gaza, conflicts with Iran and Lebanon, and securing settlements on occupied Palestinian land in the West Bank as key factors contributing to the shortage. They expressed concerns that while missions are increasing, the number of available troops is decreasing.
The drafting of ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredi, has sparked a political crisis in Israel, with Netanyahu's Haredi coalition partners boycotting parliamentary votes over the proposed law. Currently, Israeli men serve 32 months of mandatory military service, and women serve 24 months, with discussions underway to extend the term to 36 months.
This development occurs as Israel expands its ground operations in southern Lebanon, aiming to increase its presence north of the Litani River amid ongoing airstrikes and a ground offensive launched after a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. The escalation is part of a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has resulted in over 1,340 fatalities since February 28. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, US bases, and Gulf countries.