Ten warning signs… A statement by Israel’s army chief sparks a storm in Tel Aviv
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, sparked a storm in Israel after remarks he allegedly made during a closed meeting were leaked: “the army may collapse.”
Israeli Channel 13 News reported that during a meeting of the political-security cabinet on Wednesday, Zamir warned that “the Israeli army will collapse in on itself. I present to you ten warning signs.”
He added: “The Israeli army now needs a compulsory conscription law, a reserve law, and a law extending mandatory service. In the near future, the Israeli army will not be ready for its routine missions, and the reserve system will not last long.”
According to Channel 13, Zamir made these remarks in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior military officials, and ministers.
A “storm” in Israel
His remarks triggered intense controversy: while the opposition viewed them as justified, members of the government considered them political, especially as they come at the height of the war in Iran and Lebanon.
Attempting to clarify Zamir’s remarks, Israeli army spokesperson Avi Duvdevani said in a press conference: “The Israeli army needs about 15,000 soldiers, including between 7,000 and 8,000 combat troops. The scope of missions has expanded and is no longer what it used to be.”
He added: “Activity in the West Bank has expanded. The front in Lebanon and the advanced defensive line we are creating will require more Israeli forces for a long time. In Gaza as well, along the yellow line, more troops are needed. We are also fighting in Syria and must be prepared for future missions.”
He continued: “The Chief of Staff is obligated to express his position regarding military service. In January, the duration of regular service will be reduced from 36 to 34 months, and eventually to 30 months. We must pass a reserve law and expand the number of those serving in the army.”
However, his call for a conscription law represents indirect criticism of Netanyahu, who seeks to appease ultra-Orthodox Haredi parties by granting exemptions from military service.
It also implicitly criticizes government parties that encourage settlement expansion in the West Bank and refuse to deal firmly with rising settler violence against Palestinians.
“Security catastrophe”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said: “I want to warn the citizens of Israel. We are facing another security catastrophe. In thirteen years in security forums, I have never heard such a severe warning from a Chief of Staff.”
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joined the criticism, saying: “Zamir is now shouting what I have been saying for two and a half years: the Israeli army lacks about 20,000 soldiers.”
Opposition figure and retired general Yair Golan described the government’s conduct as “a disgrace and a direct blow to security efficiency.”
Central Command warning
In the same context, Channel 12 News reported that Central Command chief Avi Blot warned ministers that government policy in the West Bank is placing increasing strain on already limited manpower, due to the expansion of settlements requiring enhanced security coverage.
