As Israel’s war with Iran approaches the one-month mark, Eyal Zamir, chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) General Staff, has warned that the military could face collapse due to manpower shortages caused by the long-running conflict.
Israel is currently engaged in a battle on many fronts, including a bombing campaign against Iran and a ground invasion of Lebanon.
’10 Red Flags Before the IDF Collapses’
According to Lt. Gen. Zamir, “the IDF will collapse on itself” if the manpower shortage is not addressed.
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General Zamir issued the warning during a security cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“I am raising 10 red flags before the IDF collapses in on itself,” Zamir said during a cabinet meeting, Israeli media reported.
“Right now, the IDF needs a law on conscription, a law on compulsory levy and a law on the extension of compulsory service,” he said.
“Before long, the IDF will not be ready for its routine missions and the backup system will not last,” General Zamir added.
The IDF manpower crisis
The IDF is reportedly missing approximately 12,000 soldiers.
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Israel has admitted that three IDF members have been killed since the attack on Iran began on February 28, while Iran says the number is much higher. At least five Israeli soldiers were also injured during clashes in southern Lebanon as the IDF expanded its ground invasion into the neighboring country.
Israel has been at war since October 2023
Israel has been in a constant state of war since a terrorist attack on the country by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
According to Israeli government figures, a total of 1,152 Israeli security personnel have been killed in various conflicts since the October 7 attacks. This includes members of the IDF, Israel Police, Shin Bet and civilian emergency units.
Past warnings gen. Zamira
Gen Zamir, who became IDF chief in 2025, has also warned in the past of a protracted war.
During the Gaza conflict, General Zamir expressed concern that reservists are being called up for sixth or seventh rotations, leading to extreme exhaustion.
He warned that without urgent legislative changes, the IDF would soon be unable to carry out its regular security missions.
General Zamir also opposed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plans for a full, long-term military occupation of Gaza, describing it as “stepping into a trap” that would strain resources.
We need more soldiers even in peacetime
Following General Zamir’s latest comments, IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that there is widespread concern about a severe manpower shortage, especially amid the ongoing war.
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Even in peacetime, Israel would still need more troops on its borders in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank, the sources said, adding that unless the government adds more troops, there will be large gaps.
Key things
- Prolonged military conflicts lead to significant labor shortages.
- Urgent legislative changes are needed to address recruitment and replacement obligations.
- The IDF is facing unprecedented strain amid an ongoing war on multiple fronts.
