The IDF is reportedly preparing to release approximately 10,000 reservists by the end of this month, reducing the number of serving reserve personnel from 60,000 to 50,000, according to a report. The decision, driven by a deepening budget crisis, has not yet been finalized and is expected to be decided in the coming days.
The report of a planned reduction in reserve manpower comes as the IDF faces a severe and deepening budget crisis. As The Zioneer has reported, the defense budget faces a shortfall of approximately 40 billion shekels due to prolonged campaigns and unplanned missions, and the Finance Ministry recently approved the immediate transfer of 15 billion shekels to partially close the gap. The military has also warned repeatedly of a structural manpower shortage, citing a lack of combat personnel, a growing number of draft evaders, and the strain on reserve forces. The reported release of 10,000 reservists—a 17% cut from the current 60,000 serving—would be the most direct operational consequence of the budget crunch to date. The final decision remains pending, and it is unclear whether the reduction will affect all reserve units equally or be targeted by branch and role. The IDF has not yet commented on the report.
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