Israel’s government approved a defense ministry bill on Sunday to extend mandatory military service for men in most IDF units from 32 to 36 months. The bill, made public in February, faced delays due to legal and social concerns about unequal service burdens, especially exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.
The exemption law for the ultra-Orthodox, deemed unconstitutional in 2017, expired in July 2023. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the IDF would soon summon thousands of military-age haredi men for initial checkups. However, the increased number of haredi draftees will not immediately meet the IDF’s heightened manpower needs due to security threats and the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The new law, valid for five years, reverts mandatory service back to 32 months unless extended. It does not apply to all units; some will serve 32 months instead of 28, and combat units will serve 36 months instead of 32. Soldiers will receive increased income from the 33rd month onward, and those currently in service who must serve an extra four months will receive an additional stipend.
Defense ministry legal advisor Pazit Tidhar acknowledged “legal difficulties” related to inequality and the extension of service for current soldiers but noted that the temporary nature of the law and compensation mitigates these concerns.
The bill is expected to be fast-tracked through the Knesset and may become law by the end of July.
