IDF faces looming manpower gap as ultra-Orthodox draft fight stalls service extension

IDF troops are active in Southern Lebanon. Israel faces a growing military manpower crisis due to heavy casualties, high reserve use, and erosion among regular and reserve forces. Defense officials warn of a severe shortage of combat soldiers by the end of the year, citing a widening gap between wartime operational needs and the number of soldiers available. The crisis is deepening due to a coalition crisis that may dissolve the Knesset unless legislation extending mandatory service advances separately from the haredi draft bill.