IDF Faces Critical Week Amid Government's Controversial Military Service Laws

As the Israeli government enters its final week before elections, it is pushing a legislative agenda that deeply impacts the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The government is advancing laws that extend mandatory military service to 32 months, while simultaneously passing exemptions for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) soldiers from arrest and prosecution for draft evasion. This combination is creating a severe challenge for the military, which views 32 months as the bare minimum to "stop the bleeding" in manpower, though it advocates for a uniform extension to 36 months to meet operational demands.

Senior IDF officials express frustration and warn of a looming manpower crisis that could irreversibly harm Israel's defense capabilities. A high-ranking officer told Channel 12 News that the military is "with its back against the wall" and blamed the political leadership for prioritizing laws that benefit draft evaders over the needs of soldiers. The IDF stresses that failure to address these issues immediately will severely damage the reserves system, which remains heavily engaged due to multiple conflict fronts.

Among the key laws advancing this week are the exemption from arrest for Haredi draft evaders, which halts detention procedures for up to 90 days based on declarations without fingerprinting, and protects yeshiva students studying 40-45 hours weekly from prosecution. Additionally, the Basic Law on Torah Study is set to pass in a limited form, establishing Torah study as a fundamental value in Israel. Another significant bill aims to split the Attorney General's powers, weakening the office and facilitating the dismissal of the current Attorney General.

The government is also advancing legislation that curtails free media by establishing a powerful regulator with unprecedented authority over media outlets, including rating measurements, while removing structural separations between media owners and news companies. This move is accompanied by benefits to channels 14 and 15, including lifting restrictions on cross-ownership.

Other notable legislation includes a bill reversing kosher certification reforms to restore exclusive control to the Rabbinate, which could increase food costs and living expenses. Meanwhile, important bills on credit data and metropolitan transportation authorities remain delayed. The government’s legislative blitz reflects its priorities in its final days, focusing on consolidating political deals with Haredi parties at the expense of the military and public freedoms.