Israeli Military Chief Warns of Army Collapse Risk Due to 12,000-Personnel Shortage

JERUSALEM — Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel's military chief, warned ministers that the army risks internal collapse due to severe troop shortages of around 12,000 personnel amid ongoing regional conflicts and battlefield pressure.

Zamir raised "red flags" during a security cabinet meeting, highlighting the army's strained ability to function without immediate policy and legal changes. He urged lawmakers to enact new legislation, including amendments to the conscription law, reserve duty law and extension of mandatory service periods.

The military chief had previously written a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cautioning that personnel shortages were undermining operational readiness.

The troop shortfall has intensified since the Gaza war erupted following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Zamir linked the crisis to prolonged combat demands and broader manpower issues.

His comments come amid heated political debates over exemptions from military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredi. Israel's High Court ruled in 2024 that there is no legal basis for these exemptions, intensifying pressure on the government to address the gaps.

Zamir's stark assessment underscores mounting challenges for Israel's defense forces as they juggle multiple fronts, including Gaza and potential threats from Hezbollah and Iran.