Knesset Committee Approves Maintaining 32-Month Mandatory Military Service in Israel

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee approved on Wednesday a temporary order to keep the regular mandatory military service duration at 32 months, following a request from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The proposal passed with eight committee members in favor and one opposed, and it is now set to be presented for second and third readings in the full Knesset.

This decision accompanies a new compensation framework for soldiers whose service is extended to 32 months. Developed jointly by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defense, and the IDF, the model, dubbed "subsistence allowance for months 31-32," aims to regulate payments for soldiers serving the additional two months. Under this plan, frontline combat soldiers could receive a total monthly compensation of 8,782 shekels if their service extends to 32 months.

The compensation varies based on recruitment timing and remaining service at the law's approval. Soldiers recruited between July 2024 and June 2026 are classified as the "transition generation." Those enlisted from July 2024 to June 2025 will receive 100% of the allowance, while those from July 2025 to June 2026 will get 75%. New recruits after the law's enactment will serve 32 months but will not receive increased subsistence pay for months 31 and 32.

The committee's approval marks a significant step toward formalizing the extended service period and its financial terms, reflecting ongoing adjustments to Israel's military service structure amid security considerations. The full Knesset's upcoming readings will finalize the legislation.