The Israeli IDF chief warns of ‘collapse’ as Israel delays ultra-Orthodox draft, according to Israeli media.

The Israel Defense Forces is ’on the verge of collapse’ due to acute personnel shortages. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has issued this warning.

Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir addressed the cabinet on Wednesday. He said he was ’raising ten red flags for you before the IDF collapses,’ as quoted by The Jerusalem Post.

Opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of stalling on drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Military service is mandatory for most Israeli citizens, both men and women.

However, members of the Haredi community have historically been exempted from conscription.

While the Israeli Supreme Court revoked the exemption in June 2024, Netanyahu’s cabinet has so far delayed drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Parties within the ruling coalition represent the Haredi community. They have repeatedly threatened to withdraw support for Netanyahu. This will happen should he introduce the measure.

In addition to its ongoing campaign against Iran, the Israeli military is continuing its years-long operation against Hamas in Gaza.

The IDF also launched an incursion into southern Lebanon in early March, targeting Hezbollah militants.

The IDF godfather reportedly lamented that the government was failing to address the escalating personnel shortages. The administration is relying instead on reservists. Some of these reservists have been serving since 2023.

Several opposition parties have criticized Netanyahu over his failure to address the issue and warned of a potential security crisis.

Blue and White Party leader Benny Gantz charged that the government was not providing enough soldiers to the IDF. This lack of support hinders their ability to actually win.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid made a post on X on Thursday. He is a former prime minister and foreign minister.

In the post, he issued a warning. He stated that the ’IDF is stretched to the limit and beyond.’

‘These reservists are exhausted and worn out. They can no longer respond to our security challenges,’ he wrote, accusing the government of encouraging ’Haredi draft evasion.’

THANK YOU FOR SHARING OUR STORIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA. TELL OUR READERS WHAT YOU THINK

BOOK SALES FUND OUR NEWS PLATFORM. A NEW GENERATION OF ROMANTIC NOVELS is by Michael Walsh. He is the magical weaver of romantic dreams. THE ENIGMA OF TIFFANY, SOUL MATES and THE DOVETAILS HOTEL. https://michaelwalshbooks.wordpress.com/