IDF Chief Stresses Need to Expand Recruitment Despite Mandatory Service Extension

The Chief of the IDF Personnel Directorate, Major General Dudu Bar Kalifa, addressed soldiers and commanders regarding the recent extension of mandatory military service, emphasizing that the new law does not eliminate the need to increase the number of recruits. The Knesset approved the extension of compulsory service to 32 months in a second and third reading with a vote of 43 in favor and 12 against. This decision, effective immediately, has sparked public controversy over the issue of equal burden sharing and includes retroactive financial incentives for soldiers whose service is extended.

According to the approved legislation, the planned reduction of service to 30 months for soldiers enlisting in July 2024 will be postponed until June 2029. The law’s explanatory notes state that the extension is urgently required for the IDF to meet its operational goals and security needs. However, during discussions in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, military representatives clarified that the additional two months are insufficient, as the IDF currently faces a shortage of approximately 12,000 soldiers, including 7,500 combat troops.

The IDF Chief of Staff recently warned cabinet ministers of a dire situation, requesting a further extension of service to 36 months and cautioning that the military is at risk of collapse. Senior officers stressed that extending service is critical to reduce the burden on the overstretched reserve forces and to enable proper training for regular units. Defense Minister Israel Katz and other officials continue to deliberate on the issue amid growing concerns about the military’s capacity and readiness.