Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs told the Knesset Thursday that the IDF Chief of Staff has sent multiple letters requesting an extension of mandatory military service to 36 months. Fuchs said the most urgent step, given operational needs, is to legislate the current 32-month service as permanent — and to defer discussion of 36 months until after the next elections.
Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs stated at the Knesset on Thursday that the IDF Chief of Staff has sent 'many letters' urging an extension of mandatory military service to 36 months. Fuchs, speaking at a committee session, said the most immediate priority given current operational needs is to legislate and lock in the current 32-month service period now, and to hold the debate on 36 months after the next elections.
Fuchs's comments come amid a sustained push by the IDF leadership to address a deepening personnel crisis. As The Zioneer has reported, the IDF Personnel Directorate chief called for a return to 36-month service last week, and the Chief of Staff warned in June that without an extension the military faces collapse. The government secretary's own acknowledgment earlier this week that a freeze on yeshiva student arrests would likely last six months rather than three further underscores the political complexity of military manpower reform.
The remark suggests the government is aiming for a compromise: securing 32 months in law as a floor while deferring the larger, more divisive 36-month expansion to a post-election political climate.
2 developments
- DevelopingIDF Personnel Chief calls for extending mandatory service to 36 months
- StrongIsraeli defense official warns of 'critical' personnel crisis unless IDF service extension passes Knesset
- DevelopingGovernment secretary admits yeshiva student arrest freeze may last six months, not three
- DevelopingIDF may cut pre-draft service year and extend yeshiva students' service amid fighter shortage
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