Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of military recruitment, while security sources dispute Netanyahu's claims of an imminent attack.
Key facts
- •Naftali Bennett stated the IDF is short 20,000 combat soldiers.
- •Military sources told Haaretz that no concrete evidence exists for an imminent attack as warned by Netanyahu.
- •Bennett claims the manpower shortage is forcing troops to abandon captured positions, resulting in additional casualties.
- •The B'Yachad party has vowed to end funding for draft evaders if they join the next government.
- •Security agencies have not raised the military's alert level or called up reserves.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces face a collapse due to a critical shortage of combat soldiers. Speaking at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Bennett argued that mass draft evasion among the ultra-Orthodox population is undermining military readiness. Meanwhile, Israeli military sources reported that they have detected no operational indicators of an imminent attack, contradicting recent warnings issued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Military Manpower Shortages
Bennett stated that the IDF is currently short 20,000 combat soldiers, citing warnings from the chief of staff. He claimed that the lack of personnel is directly impacting operational safety, noting that soldiers are being killed or wounded by drones due to a shortage of snipers and observers. According to Bennett, the current situation forces troops to abandon captured positions because there are insufficient forces to hold them, leading to repeated combat engagements and further casualties.
Disputed Security Warnings
Prime Minister Netanyahu recently warned of a potential attack ahead of the upcoming October elections. However, security sources told Haaretz that they have not observed any concrete preparations or operational moves to support this claim. Consequently, these agencies have not raised the military's alert level or issued orders for reserve call-ups.
Political Context
Bennett, leader of the B'Yachad party, is campaigning to replace the current government in the October elections. At the 'Sukkah of Failure' in Tel Aviv, he called for the resignation of those responsible for the failures surrounding October 7 and vowed to establish a state commission of inquiry if he joins the next government. He further pledged to end funding for draft evaders and implement universal enlistment.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Haaretz, Jerusalem Post.
