Netanyahu pushes longer military service as Israel faces severe troop shortage

2026-03-27 - 06:00

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled the government’s intention to lengthen compulsory military service as the country’s armed forces confront a critical manpower shortage. According to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, Netanyahu made the announcement during a security cabinet meeting following a stark warning from Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who cautioned that the military could face “collapse” if the deepening personnel crisis remains unaddressed. The prime minister stated that conscription laws would be revised and service periods extended after the Jewish Passover holiday. Political tensions over ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions The proposed changes come amid fierce political divisions surrounding the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim. Netanyahu dismissed objections from a legal adviser to the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding plans to ease draft requirements for the community, asserting that the government holds final decision-making authority. Meanwhile, Haredi coalition partners have boycotted parliamentary votes over the proposed legislation, highlighting the fragile nature of Netanyahu’s governing coalition. Currently, Israeli men serve 32 months of mandatory service while women serve 24 months, with discussions underway to extend the term to 36 months. Expanding operations strain military capacity Israeli army spokesman Effie Defrin confirmed the military is grappling with a shortage of roughly 15,000 troops, including 8,000 combat soldiers. Military officials attribute the deficit to expanding operational demands across multiple fronts, including sustained operations in Gaza, ongoing strikes against Iran and Lebanon, and security deployments in West Bank settlements. The strain has intensified as Israel pushes forward with ground operations in southern Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, while continuing a joint military campaign with the United States against Iran that has claimed over 1,340 lives since February 28. Türkiye monitors regional military developments Ankara is closely observing Israel’s military expansion amid escalating regional hostilities. Türkiye has consistently warned against the destabilizing effects of unchecked military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond, advocating for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. As Israel moves to bolster its troop numbers through extended conscription, regional powers including Türkiye remain watchful of the shifting military balance and its implications for broader Middle East stability.