This is a shock that the IDF did not expect. Fewer and fewer career officers are staying in uniform after their deployment ends, according to a recent Army report. Only 42% of them agree to extend their commitment, compared to 49% in August 2023. A surprise for the Israeli authorities, who expected, at worst, a stable figure and were even banking on a revival of patriotism after the Hamas attack on October 7, which left nearly 1,200 dead.
The soldiers, however, have reason to complain. A large number of them initially denounce insufficient pay. Less than a third of officers are satisfied with their pay, while the figure is twice as high among Israelis who work in the private sector. Also in question, the impact on family life. The IDF may be one of the most feminized armies in the world, but women only represent a quarter of the officers. Many soldiers’ wives therefore have to manage their work and take care of their children without the help of their husbands.
But it is above all the nature of the war and its disappointing results which cause the morale of the soldiers to drop. After eight months of war, Hamas has still not been neutralized and nearly 300 Israeli soldiers have already been killed, either on the southern border with the Gaza Strip or on the northern border with Lebanon. The IDF and Hezbollah exchange rocket fire there every day. The risk of perishing or failing to achieve the objectives set by the army are all reasons that discourage Israeli officers.
Mobilization of reservists
To cope with the lack of soldiers, the IDF relies on more than 450,000 reservists. Not all of them can be mobilized at the same time nor can their missions be extended indefinitely, as they are not professional soldiers. Since October 7, 287,000 reservists have already been called up to serve in the army, more than ever in the country’s history, and most have already been released from their obligations.
But the Israeli government increased, this Wednesday, June 5, the ceiling of reservists who can be mobilized by the army if necessary. It goes from 300,000 to 350,000 until August, particularly in view of a potential military escalation with Hezbollah.
Another solution is to reconsider the exemption from military service enjoyed by young ultra-Orthodox people. Around 600,000 Israeli citizens aged 18 to 26 escape this duty to study in yeshivas, Talmudic seminaries. This special status is increasingly criticized by the general staff of the armed forces and by public opinion, while all young people, men or women, must wear the uniform for more than two years.
Benjamin Netanyahu remains evasive on this subject. Its ultra-Orthodox coalition partners are resolutely opposed to any reform and have even made it a red line, which, if crossed, could threaten the government. The Supreme Court took up the matter. But even international law will do nothing to boost the morale of the soldiers.