IDF Chief of Staff underscores critical need for substantial increase in IDF manpower
Date
6/11/2024 3:55:05 AM
(MENAFN) In a recent high-level briefing to Israel's Political leadership, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy underscored the critical need for a substantial increase in the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) manpower. Halevy stressed that to effectively carry out its duties across various fronts, the IDF urgently requires the formation of 15 new battalions, which would amount to approximately 4,500 soldiers—a size comparable to a full military division.
Halevy highlighted that the current shortage of personnel is not merely a result of the ongoing conflict. There is a significant and growing demand for additional troops to perform essential tasks that go beyond the immediate needs of the war. To provide a temporary remedy to this pressing issue, Halevy revealed that the IDF is in the process of forming five new battalions. These battalions will be comprised of individuals who had previously been exempt from military service.
The Chief of Staff also pointed out the substantial financial impact this manpower crisis has had on the state. Since the beginning of the war, the cost of mobilizing reserve forces has surpassed 40 billion shekels (around USD10.67 billion, given the exchange rate of 3.75 shekels to the dollar).
Compounding this issue is the ongoing political debate over a proposed law that seeks to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service. Halevy's warnings come amidst a legislative deadlock regarding this exemption, further intensifying the IDF's personnel challenges and emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the manpower shortage.
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