IDF Faces Severe Strains as Draft of Ultra-Orthodox Delayed

(MENAFN) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is reportedly “on the verge of collapse” due to critical personnel shortages, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has warned, according to local reports. Opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of postponing the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Military service is mandatory for most Israeli citizens, both men and women, but members of the Haredi community have historically been exempt. Although the Israeli Supreme Court ended this exemption in June 2024, the government has yet to implement the draft for ultra-Orthodox individuals. Political parties representing the Haredi community have repeatedly threatened to withdraw support from Netanyahu if the measure is enforced.

Speaking to the cabinet on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Zamir reportedly said he was “raising ten red flags for you before the IDF collapses.”

Alongside its ongoing operations against Iran, the Israeli military continues its long-standing campaign against Hamas in Gaza and conducted an incursion into southern Lebanon earlier in March targeting Hezbollah militants.

Zamir reportedly criticized the government for not addressing the growing personnel shortage and for relying heavily on reservists, some of whom have been in active service since 2023.

Several opposition parties have condemned Netanyahu’s handling of the issue, warning of a potential security crisis. Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz stated that the government is failing to provide the IDF with sufficient “soldiers to actually win.”

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