IDF Service Extension to 36 Months Moves Forward Under Katz

Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Friday a plan to extend mandatory Israel Defense Forces (IDF) service to 36 months, beginning in the 2026 fiscal year. The move would reverse prior cuts and lengthen the standard service time for male conscripts, currently set between 30 and 32 months.

“If the law is amended, ten thousand service days per year will be added by conscripted soldiers,” Katz’s office stated, noting that the changes are tied to the newly approved state budget.

Combat soldiers and other conscripts expected to complete their service in 2026 may now face delayed discharges, pending legal amendments. The change is designed to offset a government plan to slash the IDF’s reserve duty framework from 60,000 to 40,000 positions annually a cost-saving measure intended to free up resources.

The announcement follows mounting controversy over legislation advancing through the Knesset that would exempt the ultra-Orthodox from military service. Critics argue the extension plan unfairly burdens secular soldiers while shielding Haredi communities from conscription.

Katz emphasized the shift as a strategic budgetary decision that would reinforce military readiness despite the cut to reserve manpower. “Tens of thousands of additional service days will close operational gaps created by reserve reductions,” his office told reporters.

Israel’s updated defense budget for 2026 now stands at NIS 112 billion, up from NIS 90 billion in an earlier draft, following adjustments made during budget negotiations.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) denounced the development as “a budget of corruption and draft-dodging,” slamming the coalition’s attempt to balance the defense burden on the backs of regular soldiers while protecting political allies. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.