【Turning Point: Israel Admits Severe Shortage of Troops Amid Multi-front Warfare】 Yesterday, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Zami warned that after 900 consecutive days of war, the IDF is "on the verge of collapse." Below are key points from his remarks during a security cabinet meeting—information-packed and highly significant:
1) Reservists are currently stretched across multiple active fronts—including Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank—under immense pressure, nearly at breaking point.
2) No "Haredi conscription law" has been passed yet, effectively exempting hundreds of thousands from military service, creating a major gap in manpower.
3) The cabinet approved legalizing dozens of outposts and farms in the West Bank, and has ordered additional military deployment to protect these sites. Forces are already severely strained.
4) Compulsory service will be shortened to 30 months starting January 2027—a move contrary to the IDF’s request to extend it to 36 months. The military now urgently needs a conscription law, a reserve forces law, and legislation extending mandatory service terms.
5) The government has delayed passing necessary laws primarily due to political pressure linked to the ongoing controversy over Haredi exemptions.
It's important to clarify what Zami referred to as the Haredi community: they are the most conservative and ultra-traditionalist branch within Judaism. Their exemption from military service in Israel is controversial. Representing 14% of the population (about one-sixth of the nation), these ultra-Orthodox Jews enjoy the privilege of being exempt from service—but also live lifestyles involving non-work, no birth control, and extreme religious seclusion, leading to higher poverty rates. Secular Israelis often label them as "parasites," "vampires," or simply "dead weight" occupying positions without contributing.
Male Haredim who reach adulthood can avoid military service simply by choosing to study religious texts. Their unique way of life includes rejecting modern science, refusing participation in modern economic production, and refusing military service altogether. Mixed-gender military service in Israel is viewed by Haredim as an "impure, immoral army," making enlistment even less appealing.
The Haredi believe that the establishment of the State of Israel was destined to be fulfilled by the Messiah—not through human intervention like war. They oppose Zionism and reject the war in Gaza.
Netanyahu has long maintained alliances with far-right and Haredi parties to secure enough parliamentary seats to sustain his coalition government. In return, he has consistently extended their military exemptions, avoiding internal party fractures.
This hidden time bomb inside Israel is about to explode.
Returning to Zami’s statement: his message was unmistakably clear—because of expansionist policies, the military is overwhelmed. Without urgent reforms to address the worsening soldier shortage, the IDF faces imminent self-collapse.
Zami’s remarks have caused widespread uproar. Media across the Middle East are amplifying his words, highlighting the fact that even the so-called “invincible” Israeli military is under severe strain maintaining operational readiness. The underlying message? Israel lacks the national power and financial resources to sustain long-term dominance in the Middle East.
Zami delivered this strongly worded speech directly to the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and other cabinet ministers. Yet, no government official has indicated whether new legislation will be accelerated.
Given that the war is still ongoing, Zami’s broad complaints may seem untimely. But as the top commander on the front lines, he is facing an impossible situation—“eight pots, seven lids.” If he doesn’t speak up now, any military failure would fall squarely on his shoulders.
That said, even if Haredi men were conscripted, they’d likely spend more time studying scripture than handling weapons.
In contrast to Trump’s impulsive rhetoric, what message does this long-suppressed frustration from Israel’s top general send to those resisting Israeli forces—including Iran, Iraq, Houthis, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank?
The myth is crumbling. Who will endure until the end?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860781713675339/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.