The decline in soldier morale may lead to operational challenges for the Israeli military, as fewer soldiers are willing to engage in combat.
The Israeli government's policies regarding military service exemptions for certain demographics could exacerbate recruitment issues in the long term.
If the trend of declining enlistment continues, Israel may need to reconsider its military strategy and reliance on reserve forces.
Increased public scrutiny and potential protests may arise if the military's operational effectiveness is perceived to be compromised due to low morale and enlistment.
Military expert Brigadier General Mohammed Al-Samadi has highlighted a significant decline in the morale of Israeli soldiers, attributing it to what he describes as 'war fatigue' amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza. He noted that recent incidents, including the deaths of five Israeli soldiers, underscore the effectiveness of resistance forces utilizing the rubble of destroyed buildings for sniper operations against Israeli troops. Al-Samadi emphasized that Israel is imposing a media blackout regarding its actual losses, suggesting that the true toll is much higher than officially reported.
The Israeli military has responded to the declining enlistment rates by reducing the period of reserve service from an average of 20 weeks to just 9 weeks. This decision comes in light of a notable drop in the number of reserve soldiers willing to serve, which has been linked to the government's recent legislation allowing religious Haredi Jews to remain exempt from military service. Reports indicate that the army is facing a potential 15% to 25% decrease in reserve service participation, which is impacting operational decisions on both the Gaza front and the northern front in Lebanon.
