Extension of IDF Mandatory Service to 36 Months Approved
The political-security cabinet has approved the extension of mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 32 months to 36 months for the next eight years. This decision follows weeks of disputes between the ministries of defense and finance regarding the details of the outline. Defense Minister Yoav Galant had criticized the delay in extending the service, emphasizing the necessity due to ongoing security challenges.
Agreement Reached Amidst Controversy
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully brokered an agreement with Defense Minister Galant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. According to the agreement, the extension will be enacted as an interim order for five years, during which combat soldiers will serve for 36 months. After this period, the mandatory service duration will be reduced back to 32 months.
The current law mandates 32 months of service, which was supposed to be reduced to 30 months in July 2024. However, the continuation of the Iron Swords War prompted the IDF to demand an extension to 36 months. Despite Galant proposing this amendment in February, alongside a law to extend reserve service, its progress was hindered by public criticism, particularly concerning the blanket exemption from conscription for yeshiva members.
Challenges and Public Criticism
The issue of extending reserve service remains unresolved. The army seeks to raise the exemption age from reserves and increase the number of reserve days per year. However, the coalition has been unable to extend a temporary order on this matter due to a lack of majority support.
The government is expected to approve the new legislation formally next week. This move aims to address Israel's ongoing security challenges but may spark further public criticism, especially given the contentious debate over yeshiva members' recruitment.
