Israel’s Cabinet has approved extending mandatory IDF service the extension of mandatory military service to 36 months for the next eight years.
The details were worked out following agreements reached between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich. Prime Minister Netanyahu had asked both to reach an understanding to extend the length of mandatory IDF service, due the the IDF’s manpower shortage.
With the extension, soldiers serving currently and the draft classes of the next five years will serve the extended service.
At the end of this time, mandatory service wills shorten back to 32 months, and the Defense Ministry has the option to shorten the length of service for soldiers in non-combat roles.
Reacting to the news, opposition leader MK Yair Lapid said: “On Sunday, the government will extend mandatory service to 36 months. At the same time, it is exempting tens of thousands of young and healthy Charedi men who can join the ranks of the combat soldiers. Every Israeli mother should know that her leaders send to battle only those who are politically convenient for them. Israel is being led through 2024 by a reckless government.”
{Matzav.com}