Tel Aviv: The Israeli army has decided to extend compulsory military service by four months, local media reported on Sunday, in response to a significant manpower shortage.

According to Anadolu Agency, the daily Yedioth Ahronoth revealed that soldiers will now serve a full three-year term due to this extension. Additionally, the army has suspended pre-release leaves, meaning soldiers are required to complete the entire three-year service period before discharge. This decision has not yet been confirmed by the army.

The newspaper highlighted that this measure aims to address an unprecedented shortage of personnel, with the army reportedly lacking 10,000 troops, including 7,000 in combat units. This move coincides with the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 51,500 people, predominantly women and children, since October 2023.

Efforts by the Israeli government to legislate an extension of compulsory service to three years from the current two years and eight months have encountered resistance. Ultra-Orthodox members of the coalition have opposed the move, seeking an exemption for their community from military service in exchange for their support of the legislation. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredi, make up about 13% of Israel's 10 million population.

The International Criminal Court had previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last November, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the enclave.