Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the extension of mandatory military service is being planned, considering the severe personnel shortage in the army.
Modern.az reports that Israel's public broadcaster "KAN" disseminated this information.
Netanyahu voiced these thoughts at a security cabinet meeting, stating that the government would take steps in response to Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir's warning that the army “could collapse” if the crisis is not resolved.
The Prime Minister noted that after the Passover (Jewish Easter) holiday, steps would be taken to amend military conscription legislation and increase the service period.
Responding to the objection of the legal advisor to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding the easing of military service requirements for ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), Netanyahu said: “His job is to advise, but we make the decision”.
Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs also stated that immediately after the holiday, the issues of both extending the service period and advancing the new conscription law would be considered.
Israeli army spokesperson Effi Defrin announced that currently, there is a shortage of approximately 15,000 soldiers in the army, 8,000 of whom are combatants.
Military officials explain this situation by the increasing operational burden. It is reported that ongoing operations in Gaza, attacks against Iran and Lebanon, as well as the protection of settlements located on the West Bank of the Jordan River, are increasing the army's burden.
Officials noted that while tasks are increasing, the number of personnel is decreasing.
The issue of enlisting ultra-Orthodox Jews into military service has caused a political crisis in the country. The Haredi partners of the Netanyahu government are boycotting parliamentary votes in protest of the proposed law.
Currently, mandatory military service in Israel lasts 32 months for men and 24 months for women. According to proposals, this period could be extended to 36 months.
These discussions coincide with a period when Israel is expanding its ground operations in southern Lebanon. The army is attempting to extend its positions north of the Litani River, while simultaneously continuing air strikes on Lebanon and ground operations launched after Hezbollah's border attack on March 2.
Tensions have further escalated amid joint US and Israeli attacks against Iran. According to reports, more than 1340 people have been killed as a result of these attacks since February 28.
In response, Iran launched drone and missile strikes against Israel, US bases, and Gulf countries.
