IOF faces steep manpower shortage, transfers soldiers across units

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
26 Jun 2024 19:25
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The Israeli forces are transferring several conscripts, from various units including intelligence and cyber, to brigades and units that make up the infantry forces, to address the significant troops shortage.

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Israeli occupation soldiers are seen near the Gaza Strip border in southern occupied Palestine, Thursday, June 13, 2024 (AP Photo)

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) decided to transfer several conscripts, who had been assigned to the 8200 cyber espionage and military technology units, to brigades and units within the infantry, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

The newspaper reported that leaders of the intelligence units protested the transfer of conscripts to the infantry, arguing that it 'will harm the quality of its officers and soldiers' and negatively impact 'intelligence effectiveness'.

Furthermore, the newspaper highlighted that this decision by the IOF leadership represents a departure from the previous strategy, which prioritized recruitment into 'cyber' and military technology units.

IOF to recruit Haredim into new reserve force amid manpower shortage

Israeli media revealed on Wednesday that the Israeli occupation army is pushing for the formation of a new force, the 96th Division - David Division, due to the scarcity of troops responsible for various security tasks.

Amir Bohbot, the military correspondent for the Israeli Walla news website, explained that the force would consist of soldiers who have reached the age of military exemption and volunteers, including Haredi Jews.

According to the Human Resources Division, the number of soldiers in the force could reach up to 40,000 after the military exemption age was raised by two years.

Bohbot further noted that the Haredim might be drafted in reservist brigades, then battalions, while simultaneously maintaining their lifestyle. Volunteers could also be enlisted with the reservist force.