IDF Chief of Staff Stresses Need to Expand Recruitment Despite Regular Service Extension

IDF Chief of Staff Major General Dudu Barak-Kalifa addressed soldiers following the Knesset's approval to maintain the length of regular military service without reduction. He emphasized that this extension does not eliminate the operational necessity for the Israel Defense Forces to increase the number of recruits and serving personnel from across Israeli society. Barak-Kalifa called for legislative measures to regulate this expansion, including an adapted reserve service law, an effective conscription law, and potentially further necessary extensions of mandatory service duration.

He also noted that those who began their service under the original 30-month term, now extended, will be entitled to increased living allowances for the additional two months. This statement highlights ongoing efforts to balance service requirements with fair compensation for soldiers amid evolving defense needs.