Israeli army on verge of manpower collapse?

Pars Today – For the first time, the Israeli army has officially acknowledged a “severe manpower crisis” across all its combat units and warned that this crisis directly threatens the regime’s internal security.

The army confirmed that the shortage of personnel in all combat units is critical.

The first question is: What are the signs of a manpower crisis in the Israeli military?

The Israeli army has announced a shortage of 1,300 officers across all combat units, ranging from second lieutenant to captain. The report also notes a deficit of nearly 300 majors in various combat units.

Additionally, it states that 30% of senior army commanders are expected to leave the armed forces next year. Estimates from the Israeli army indicate that 30% of reserve and active-duty soldiers will not return to their units in the coming year.

According to the army’s figures, only about 37% of officers currently wish to continue their service, compared with 58% in 2018.

Another important question is: What are the causes of the manpower crisis in the Israeli army?

It appears that the manpower crisis in Israel’s military stems primarily from military and economic factors.

Militarily, prolonged wars and ongoing conflicts, particularly over the past two years, have led to weariness, chronic fatigue, and demotivation among soldiers and their families. The Israeli army’s report also notes that 70% of reserve soldiers’ families face problems and crises due to extended periods of service.

In addition, two years of continuous warfare have exhausted Israeli troops and their families, significantly impacting their daily lives.

Economically, the high cost of living and the attractiveness of civilian jobs have pushed many personnel to leave the army and enter the labor market.

Israeli soldiers believe that remaining in military service is not worthwhile, given the prolonged deployments in various conflict zones and the significant gap between military pay and civilian income. For this reason, many prefer to leave the army rather than continue serving.

Another important question is: What are the consequences of the manpower crisis in the Israeli army?

This crisis will have various implications, some of which are implicitly noted in the army’s report. The Israeli military stated that the manpower shortage has reached a point where it affects the regime’s security and should be treated as a serious crisis.

In addition, the departure of 30% of commanders by next year means a loss of experience and organizational cohesion, which could create serious gaps in operational management and troop training.

Additionally, the failure of reserve forces to return severely limits the army’s capacity for rapid mobilization in emergencies. Some sources and analysts have also noted that the reduction of reserve troops and officers makes the Israeli military more vulnerable to potential threats from resistance groups or regional countries.

The decline in manpower could become a strategic weakness for the regime in the face of external threats.