IDF facing manpower crisis as fewer soldiers show interest in military careers, new data shows

New statistics aired by Channel 12 news further indicate that the military is facing a major crisis in keeping career servicemembers in the IDF.

According to the network, the IDF is short of about 1,300 officers at the ranks of lieutenant and captain, and another 300 majors.

Channel 12 cites internal surveys conducted by the army, which show that among officers, only 63 percent are interested in staying in the military, compared with 83% in 2018. Among non-commissioned officers, the number this year stood at 37%, compared with 58% in 2018.

This month, senior officers in the IDF’s Personnel Directorate told lawmakers that some 600 career soldiers were seeking early retirement, and junior officers are being promoted early to bridge the gaps.

The IDF has struggled for years to keep career soldiers in the military, as civilian work has been seen as far more lucrative and less stressful. The issue has been exacerbated recently due to burnout from the war, perceived worsening service conditions, political delegitimization, and discontent over recent appointments within IDF leadership.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the head of the Personnel Directorate Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, and other top officers have been working on plans to address the growing crisis and prevent legislation that could further harm conditions for career soldiers.