Israeli military faces critical manpower crisis threatening operational capacity. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned during a security cabinet meeting that the military could collapse due to severe personnel shortages amid ongoing West Asia conflict. The army currently lacks approximately twelve thousand troops needed for sustained operations. Zamir emphasized urgent need for new legislation including conscription law, reserve duty law, and extended mandatory military service. Without these measures, the IDF may struggle to maintain routine operations and its reserve system. Political complications arise from exemptions granted to Ultra-Orthodox communities, complicating legislative efforts. This manpower shortage has intensified significantly since the October 2023 Gaza war outbreak, creating substantial strain on military readiness and operational capacity.
