'Israel' approves plan to extend military service up to 36 months
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The proposal is said to be responding to immediate military needs following the onset of the war.
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An Israeli soldier moves on the top of a tank near the separation line with Gaza, as seen from southern occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 14, 2024 (AP Photo)
The Israeli regime approved on Sunday a plan to temporarily extend compulsory military service for men from 32 to 36 months due to manpower strains.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the measure, which now requires parliamentary approval, as per Israeli news websites.
If passed, the extension will be effective immediately for five years, also affecting currently deployed soldiers.
Read more: Gallant calls for urgent meeting to extend mandatory military service
The proposal is said to be responding to immediate military needs following the onset of the war.
However, the issue of drafting Haredim remains contentious. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara criticized the unequal enforcement of mandatory service, noting the longstanding draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.
"Increasing the burden on those serving for years, without simultaneously taking concrete actions to recruit yeshiva students and distribute the burden, will not be constitutional," she wrote.
"Israel's" Supreme Court ruled in June that the state must draft these men, which may challenge Netanyahu's coalition, as ultra-Orthodox factions hold significant seats.
Several military officials and Security Minister Yoav Gallant have consistently pressed for the urgency of addressing shortcomings in manpower given the deployment of hundreds of thousands of reservists to Gaza, the West Bank, and the border with Lebanon.
Read more: 'Israel has no right to exist', Chief Rabbis say upon Haredim draft
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on July 9 published a draft order for the recruitment of 3,000 Haredim.
Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom detailed that half of these recruits will be aged between 18 and 21, while 40% will be aged between 21 and 24, and the remaining 10% aged between 24 and 26.
Security Minister Gallant announced that the issuance of draft orders could start as early as next month.
