Israeli military official says service extension leaves recruitment shortfall

Major-General Bar Kalifa, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, wrote that the extension of mandatory service approved by the Knesset plenum on Thursday does not eliminate the need to expand the pool of draftees. The statement addresses ongoing personnel requirements within the military after the legislative change.

The Knesset approved the extension during its Thursday session. The measure lengthens required service periods for eligible personnel. Bar Kalifa noted that the change alone would not meet current staffing targets.

steps cited Officials have not announced additional measures to increase recruitment numbers. Further actions remain under review.