Since the start of Israel’s conflict with Gaza on October 7, at least 10,000 Israeli soldiers have been reported killed or injured, according to Israeli media.
On Sunday, Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that around 1,000 soldiers are transferred each month to the Defence Ministry’s rehabilitation department due to injuries sustained during the ongoing war.
The newspaper reported that the Israeli military is currently facing a shortage of approximately 10,000 soldiers, a direct consequence of the prolonged and intense fighting in Gaza. This situation has prompted concerns about the army’s ability to sustain its operations effectively.
Yedioth Ahronoth also criticized the Knesset for its summer recess from July 22 to mid-October, highlighting the lack of legislative action to extend mandatory military service during this critical period. The newspaper pointed out that this is unprecedented in Israel’s history, given the unique circumstances of soldiers fighting within enemy territory for an extended duration under challenging conditions.
The extended conflict has led to additional complications, including an unexpected four-month extension of service for female soldiers stationed in the occupied Golan Heights.
This move has further strained military resources and underscored the ongoing pressure on the Israeli Defense Forces as they navigate the protracted conflict.
The current shortages and the extended service requirements reflect the severe impact of the war on Israel’s military personnel and operational capacity, raising questions about future strategic and legislative measures needed to address the situation.
