Israeli media reported on Friday that the occupation military is compiling data to illustrate the severe manpower issue represented by the intensifying personnel shortages in the wake of nearly 150 days of combat.
As first reported on Friday morning on Ynet and 'Yedioth Ahronoth', the Israeli military urgently requires an additional 7,000 soldiers, with half of these intended for combat roles.
The report added that “it's crucial to note that this figure is over and above the soldiers already slated for recruitment in upcoming cycles.” Ynet also reported that the occupation army is calling for another 7,500 officer and non-commissioned officer positions, while the treasury is currently only approving 2,500.
“These unprecedented figures underscore the shock experienced by the IDF in the wake of nearly 150 days of conflict, which began with substantial losses on October 7,” the Israeli daily commented, referring to the Israeli occupation forces.
The report mentioned the official death toll announced by the occupation military during the war, saying: “Approximately 582 soldiers have fallen in battle, and several more are physically and psychologically wounded, to the extent that they are unable to return to their roles.
A significant number of commanders, who led their troops as expected, also fell in the battles, necessitating training for their replacements.” Ynet then detailed the personnel shortage according to the corps of the occupation military.
The Engineering Corps will be reinforced with an additional battalion, the report said, adding that reserve platoons that supplanted regular platoons in each brigade of the Armored Corps will revert to being comprised of mandatory service soldiers.
“The Air Force is also gearing up for expansion, primarily in the air defense system, with the addition of several new Iron Dome batteries.
Concurrently, ground defenses against sudden attacks will be bolstered, reflecting one of the lessons learned from the vast scale, intensity, and audacity of the Hamas operation on October 7,” Ynet reported.
Regarding the Medical Corps, the Israeli media outlet said that suffered the loss of 38 medical personnel, including doctors, paramedics, and medics.
“In response to this, the Chief of the Logistics Division has called for the recognition of all who have been providing combat support inside Gaza from the first day of the conflict as combat support personnel, an identification that would lead to an adjustment in their pay.
These measures, which will necessitate public sacrifice given that the required funding does not simply materialize out of thin air, also underscore the profound failure that has brought us to our current predicament,” Ynet added.
The Israeli media outlet said such figures are being compiled “amid the ongoing political upheaval following Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's declaration that he won't advance the 'Draft Law' without the full agreement of the coalition.” “It's fair to say that the onus lies with the political and military leadership from the start of the previous decade, during which plans for cutbacks and service reductions were initiated,” Ynet commented.