Israeli Military Faces Critical Shortage of 12,000 Personnel, Budget Deficit Looms

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Israeli newspaper Maariv has reported that the most significant crisis confronting the Israeli army is a critical shortage of manpower. Official expert estimates indicate the army requires around 12,000 new soldiers.

Maariv further indicated that some right-wing political sources, aligned with the government’s policies, are attempting to present this figure as lower than the army’s actual assessment.

The Hebrew newspaper identified a second major challenge for the Israeli army as a budget deficit in managing ongoing military operations and developing immediate capabilities. It stated that the Israeli army is facing a budget deficit equivalent to approximately $13.3 to $16.7 billion.

Meanwhile, the Hebrew newspaper ‘Israel Hayom’ reported that the Israeli army, as part of plans stemming from financial limitations, is preparing to release approximately 10,000 reservists by the end of the current month. The stated reason for this decision is the budget deficit crisis and financial pressures.

This newspaper added that with the implementation of this plan, the number of active reservists in the Israeli army will decrease from around 60,000 to approximately 50,000.

In recent months, the Israeli army has been under pressure due to the continuation of military operations on multiple fronts and the increasing costs of war.