Israel's Knesset has approved legislation extending mandatory military service for most male recruits to 32 months, citing increased manpower needs as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue operations on multiple fronts. Military officials have warned of troop shortages and say thousands of additional recruits are needed, including combat personnel, to meet operational demands. The new law is intended to help maintain force levels through June 2029 and ease pressure on both active-duty and reserve units.

Forty-three MKs voted in favor, with 12 against and one abstention.

The head of the IDF Planning Directorate told lawmakers that 'the regular army is reaching the limits of its capacity, and the reserve forces could also be pushed beyond theirs'