Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warns IDF will collapse due to lack of manpower
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the Israel Defense Forces could collapse due to a severe manpower shortage, raising "10 red flags" during a recent security cabinet meeting.
- The shortage is exacerbated by the lack of legislation to increase conscription of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) soldiers, with the draft bill set aside during the ongoing war for political unity reasons.
- Opposition parties sharply criticized the government for failing to enforce haredi conscription, calling the issue a critical security risk and demanding emergency parliamentary discussions to expand IDF ranks.
- Former military and political leaders emphasized the urgent need for mandatory service laws and criticized the government's reliance on reservists and political coalitions that hinder security measures.
- The debate highlights growing concern that without increased manpower and effective conscription policies, Israel's security and military readiness could face a major crisis.
