IDF Chief Zamir warns military will 'collapse in on itself' — raises 10 red flags over manpower crisis

IDF Chief Zamir (Channel 13): 'I am raising 10 red flags. The IDF now needs a conscription law, a reserve duty law, and a law to extend mandatory service. Before long, the IDF will not be ready for its routine missions and the reserve system will not hold.'

Iran has not commented on Zamir's warning. If confirmed, IDF manpower constraints would validate Iran's strategy of sustained attrition across multiple fronts — Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza simultaneously.

Opposition Leader Lapid: 'In all 13 years as a member of security cabinets, I do not recall a warning as severe as the one delivered last night. The government is sending the army into a multi-front war without a strategy, without sufficient resources, and with too few soldiers. Immediately halt funding to ultra-Orthodox draft evaders, send military police after deserters, and draft the ultra-Orthodox without hesitation.'

Former PM Bennett (Channel 12): 'There is a political echelon here that prevents the IDF from winning — not in Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran. The IDF is 20,000 soldiers short. There are 100,000 young Haredim of military age in good health today. If only a fifth were recruited, there would be no problem. Whoever doesn't work doesn't get a penny. Whoever doesn't serve doesn't get a penny.'

IDF Central Command chief Bluth (security cabinet): West Bank settlement approvals require growing security coverage, stretching already-limited IDF manpower. 'This is your policy, but it requires security and a full protection package, because the reality on the ground has completely changed — and that requires manpower.' Ministers were shown footage of settler violence incidents.