IDF to redraft reservist soldiers who previously received exemptions

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has directed the IDF to redraft reservist soldiers who previously received exemptions, the IDF announced on Monday. This effort has been made to increase the pool of servicemen in the IDF.

לאור הערכת המצב והיקף פעילות הכוחות בסדיר ובמילואים, וכחלק מתהליך שמתכנן צה״ל להגדלת מאגר המשרתים, הנחה שר הביטחון לקרוא בחזרה לשירות למי שהיו אנשי מילואים וקיבלו פטור משירות בעבר בשל צמצום כוחות, ועודם בגילים המחייבים בשירות>>

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"In light of the situation assessment and the scale of activity of regular and reserve forces, and as part of a process planned by the IDF to increase the pool of service members, the Defense Minister has directed to redraft those who were reserve soldiers and had previously been exempted from service due to force reductions, but are still within the age range requiring service," the announcement said.

The statement also noted that after the necessary preparations were completed, the IDF began reaching out to relevant candidates who served in crucial units.

Those suitable for return will be assigned to units on a need-base

Those deemed suitable for return from exemption will be assigned to service in various units according to operational needs.

The announcement came as the IDF is in the midst of attempting to enlarge its manpower pool by drafting haredi men. However, a very small percentage of haredim who received draft summons showed up for initial checkups earlier in August, indicating that the IDF may not be able to count on them to fill its ranks.

In parallel, the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is preparing for its second and third reading of a bill to lengthen mandatory IDF service by four months, from 32 to 36 months for most combat soldiers, and from 28 to 32 months for most non-combat soldiers.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Yuli Edelstein, commended the announcement Monday evening, though Edelstein said it took too long and "was pushed forward by a legislative proposal supported by members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee."

"This is an important step in addressing the IDF's manpower needs. The next step is a real and effective recruitment law. I call on the IDF and Defense Ministry to join in its formulation so we don’t have to wait another nine months to correct years of mistakes. We need soldiers here and now," Edelstein said.