Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, has issued a stark warning, saying that the country risks a “security disaster” due to a critical shortage of combat soldiers. Speaking on national television, Lapid criticized the government for sending the military into multiple conflict zones without sufficient troops or a clear strategy.
“The IDF is stretched to its absolute limit. Our soldiers are being left exposed on the battlefield,” Lapid said, echoing the concerns of Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the military chief, who reportedly told the security cabinet that “the IDF is on the verge of collapse.”
Military officials confirmed that more combat soldiers are urgently needed, especially along the Lebanese front, as well as in Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria. Brigadier General Effie Defrin highlighted the army’s heavy reliance on exhausted reservists who are rotating through sixth and seventh deployments. “These soldiers are worn out and cannot meet the security demands placed on them,” he warned.
Lapid called for urgent reforms, including drafting men from the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community, a group historically exempt from military service. He argued that the government must act decisively: “Stop funding those avoiding the draft, hold deserters accountable, and enlist the Haredim immediately.”
This warning underscores the challenges Israel faces in maintaining national security amid ongoing regional tensions and highlights the strain on its armed forces.
