Israel recruits citizens to address 12,000 soldier shortage
The Israeli occupation forces are facing a shortage of soldiers due to exhaustion among reserve troops and repeated call-ups. The government is seeking to attract immigrants and Jewish volunteers from abroad through various recruitment programs that include financial incentives and housing benefits. Israel relies on three main channels for foreign recruitment: the "Mehaz" program for volunteers from outside Israel, the "Garin Tzabar" program to assist young Jews in relocating and preparing for service, and the "lone soldiers" category for those lacking family support. The number of lone soldiers coming from abroad totals 3,614, with 30% from the United States and 18% from Russia, and a 39% increase between 2023 and 2025. However, these programs do not meet the military's needs, which estimates a gap of about 12,000 soldiers, nor do they resolve political disagreements over expanding mandatory conscription or raising exemption age, making them merely supplementary sources rather than comprehensive solutions to the crisis.
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