IDF Service Extension to Three Years Approved by Government

Israel’s government has approved the progression of a bill to extend mandatory military service for men in most IDF units from 32 to 36 months. This decision comes as the country faces heightened security threats and seeks to replace thousands of casualties sustained during the current conflict with Hamas.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the IDF would begin summoning thousands of military-age haredi men for initial checkups in the coming weeks. However, he clarified that the short-term increase in haredi draftees would not fully meet the IDF’s increased manpower needs. This situation paved the way for the recent vote.

The new law, set to be temporary and applicable for five years, will revert to the original 32 months unless extended. It does not apply to all units; some will see service extended from 28 to 32 months, while combat units will now serve 36 months instead of 32.

From the 33rd month on, soldiers will receive increased income. Those currently in service, who now have to serve an extra four months, will receive an additional stipend, though the amounts are yet to be determined.

Defense Ministry legal adviser Pazit Tidhar acknowledged the law’s "legal difficulties" related to inequality, but argued that its temporary nature and compensation for soldiers would offset the increased burden.

Despite this, the Attorney-General’s Office has raised constitutional concerns. Deputy A-G Gil Limon stated that increasing the service burden without significant drafting of haredim does not meet constitutional standards of equality. For the bill to be constitutional, it must include long-term plans for drafting haredim, which the government has yet to provide.

Opposition politicians have voiced their views on the government's decision. National Unity MK Benny Gantz emphasized the necessity of lengthening service but stressed the need for a service plan to ensure future equal distribution of the burden. United Right chairman MK Gideon Sa’ar criticized Limon’s legal opinion, highlighting that lengthening mandatory service also reduces the burden on reservists and strengthens Israel’s fighting force.

The bill is expected to be fast-tracked through the Knesset and could become law by the end of July. This legislation underscores the complex balance between addressing immediate security needs and ensuring equitable service requirements across all segments of Israeli society.

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