Is the Israeli army on the brink of collapse?

The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces, Eyal Zamir, has warned the Israeli government that the armed forces could “collapse from within” due to a critical shortage of personnel, according to reports in the Israeli press. During a security cabinet meeting, he cited “10 warning signs” and stressed the urgent need for legislative reforms to expand conscription, strengthen the reserves and extend the length of military service.

This warning comes against a backdrop of increased operational pressure, as the army is engaged on several fronts simultaneously, notably in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and in the context of a standoff with Iran. The Chief of Staff warned that, without swift action, the army might no longer be able to carry out its day-to-day missions, and that the reserve system risks being permanently depleted.

At the heart of the debate lies the sensitive issue of conscription for the ultra-Orthodox, who are traditionally exempt from military service. Zamir is explicitly calling for legislation to allow their enlistment, as well as an extension of compulsory service. The army estimates it needs around 12,000 additional soldiers, mostly combatants, to meet current requirements. Furthermore, the recent reduction in the length of military service, from 36 to 30 months, could further exacerbate the situation in the coming months.

Political tensions surrounding this issue are running high. The opposition accuses the government of strategic negligence, arguing that the executive has committed the country to a multi-front war without sufficient human resources. Several political figures, including Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, are calling for increased mobilisation, particularly among young ultra-Orthodox men. According to Bennett, recruiting just a fraction of this population would be enough to fill the shortfall.

On the government side, responsibility is partly attributed to legal obstacles that are said to be slowing down the adoption of necessary reforms. Some members of the majority nevertheless support Zamir’s analysis and are calling for a swift review of conscription policy. Others, however, are publicly criticising the Chief of Staff, accusing him of making alarmist statements that could undermine the war effort. Times of Israel

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