The Israeli occupation army has issued a stark warning, describing its current operational capacity as “unbearable” due to a severe shortage of soldiers. The military has called for urgent legislation to enable the recruitment of additional personnel, as its forces remain stretched across multiple active fronts.
Since 28 February, Israeli forces have been engaged in aerial attacks on Iran, while simultaneously deploying four military divisions to southern Lebanon. Large troop contingents are also stationed across the occupied West Bank, in addition to ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. This multi-front engagement has intensified pressure on the army’s manpower resources.
Acute Shortage of Troops
During a press conference, army spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that the army is facing a deficit of between 12,000 and 15,000 soldiers. He emphasised the urgent need for legislative measures to increase recruitment, particularly in light of ongoing exemptions granted to Haredi Jews from military service.
Defrin further noted that more than 100,000 reserve soldiers are currently deployed across various fronts, yet the army still requires approximately 15,000 additional personnel, including between 7,000 and 8,000 combat troops.
Leadership Warning of Potential Collapse
The warning follows remarks by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who cautioned during a closed cabinet meeting that the army could face collapse if the manpower crisis is not addressed. The issue has intensified internal political tensions, particularly regarding the continued exemption of Haredi Jews from compulsory military service.
Religious parties are reportedly pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pass legislation preserving these exemptions, while opposition groups are calling for universal conscription.
Haredi Jews constitute approximately 13 percent of Israel’s population, estimated at 9.7 million. Many within this community argue that their full-time dedication to Torah study justifies their exemption from military duties.
Expanding Military Fronts and Escalation
Defrin also addressed recent developments on the northern front, stating that the army had received no prior warning regarding the large-scale rocket barrage launched by Hezbollah towards northern settlements.
The broader escalation continues across the region. Since late February, the United States and Israel have carried out sustained attacks on Iran, resulting in thousands of casualties and the assassination of military and political figures, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In Lebanon, Israeli aggression since early March has led to 1,268 deaths, 3,750 injuries, and the displacement of over one million people, according to Lebanese authorities. In response, Iran and Hezbollah have launched missiles and drones towards Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and 6,239 injuries.
