According to a report by The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has rejected claims that its Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, supports the government’s proposed legislation on draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. The IDF clarified that Zamir has not endorsed any specific conscription bill.
The denial comes after comments from Boaz Bismuth suggesting that Zamir backed the coalition’s initiative. In an official statement, the military emphasised that the Chief of Staff “did not express support for any specific conscription bill,” distancing army leadership from the ongoing political debate.
Instead, the IDF said Zamir has repeatedly stressed the importance of establishing a broad and practical legislative solution to tackle what it called “immediate and urgent needs” regarding severe manpower shortages. The military is currently under growing operational pressure, which has placed significant strain on its existing forces.
The statement also reiterated Zamir’s earlier warning to the cabinet about planned reductions in mandatory service. Under current policy, compulsory service for men is due to be shortened to 30 months starting in January 2027.
The IDF cautioned that combining this reduction with an expanded range of missions would impose an “unreasonable burden” on already overstretched reservists.
Earlier this month, Zamir outlined several legislative priorities he believes are essential to maintain the IDF’s readiness. He urged the advancement of three key laws concerning both active-duty soldiers and reserve forces:
Extending mandatory service for men to 36 months.
Reforming the framework for calling up and serving reservists.
Introducing a new conscription law suited to the military’s current operational demands.
Bismuth’s claim was reportedly based on statements made by Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs during High Court of Justice proceedings. The government coalition plans to advance the legislation, alongside a bill to extend service length, when the Knesset returns from recess on May 10.
The push for new legislation follows a June 2024 High Court ruling on Haredi conscription, which ruled that there was no legal basis for the longstanding exemptions granted to military-age ultra-Orthodox men and ordered the government to draft a new law.
Critics argue that the current proposal could effectively preserve these exemptions, especially for full-time yeshiva students. Meanwhile, the IDF has highlighted the urgent need for around 12,000 additional recruits — mainly for combat roles — due to the heavy strain on reserve forces. It is estimated that approximately 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18 to 24 are eligible for service but have not enlisted……See More
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