Israeli Knesset Approves Extending Mandatory IDF Service to 32 Months

The Israeli Knesset has approved a law extending the mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to 32 months. The legislation was passed in its second and third readings on Thursday, with 43 members supporting, 12 opposing, and one abstention. Originally, the service period was set to be reduced to 30 months for recruits starting in July 2024. However, due to a shortage of combat soldiers, the IDF requested an extension to 36 months. The final decision sets the service length at 32 months for all recruits until July 2029, who will then be discharged by January 2032.

The Knesset statement emphasized the urgency of this extension to meet the IDF's operational goals and address current security needs. This temporary provision delays the planned reduction in service time and reflects the military's ongoing challenges in maintaining adequate troop levels. The law affects all new conscripts over the next five years, ensuring a longer service commitment amid Israel's security environment.