IDF Chief Warns of Operational Collapse Without Longer Conscription

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the cabinet this week that the army’s operational readiness will suffer badly unless compulsory service is extended to 36 months. He said the military is already facing a shortage of thousands of fighters and worsening strain on reserve soldiers, and told ministers bluntly, “I am raising 12 red flags, the army will collapse in on itself.”

According to the army, the issue is becoming urgent because compulsory service is scheduled to be reduced again to 30 months in January 2027, creating a manpower gap equal to an entire draft cycle. The current shortfall is about 12,000 soldiers, including 7,500 combat troops. Officers say extending service is not optional, but necessary to ease pressure on the reserves, strengthen regular units, and give conscripts breathing room, since many are already in continuous operational duty and missing regular training.

Military officials view the next two weeks as the last real window to pass the legislation. They fear the Knesset could be dissolved and elections called, freezing the bill for a long period and worsening the manpower crisis. The proposed law, which would extend service to 36 months, is now before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee after passing its first reading in July 2024.

The bill would apply to all draft cohorts and also includes a financial incentive plan for those serving the longer term.