IDF Chief Emphasizes Extended Conscription Does Not Replace Need for Draft Law

Following the Knesset's decision to maintain mandatory military service at 32 months for both men and women, IDF Personnel Directorate Chief Major General Dudu Bar Kalifa sent a letter to soldiers clarifying that the extension does not eliminate the need for a formal draft law. He stated that despite the longer service period, the IDF still requires expanding recruitment across all sectors of Israeli society through an effective draft law, a tailored reserve service law, and potentially further service extensions to build a broader force.

Bar Kalifa highlighted that the wartime situation demands extraordinary physical and mental efforts from soldiers. The extension applies to current servicemembers and those enlisting over the next three years. He described the service lengthening, initiated by the IDF and defense establishment, as operationally necessary to meet ongoing challenges, ensure minimal respite for active and reserve soldiers, maintain professional training durations, stabilize units, and enable limited force expansion.

The Knesset approved a temporary order yesterday confirming that regular IDF service will not be shortened and will remain at 32 months, with 43 lawmakers supporting, 12 opposing, and one abstaining. Subsequently, the 25th Knesset officially dissolved after passing amendments to the party funding law ahead of the 26th Knesset elections. Additional legislation passed this week included the Basic Law on Torah Study, a law freezing arrests of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox individuals, repeal of the kosher certification reform, a law enforcing gender segregation in academia, and a law weakening the Attorney General's legal advice authority. Earlier in the week, the coalition confirmed that elections will proceed as scheduled on October 27.