Tel aviv: The Israeli army warned of a 'mass personnel exodus' amid a surge in resignation requests by officers and soldiers, local media reported Tuesday. The army is experiencing a significant departure of officers and non-commissioned officers following their submission of resignation requests, as highlighted by the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

According to Anadolu Agency, there have been 500 resignation requests from officers and NCOs in the regular forces, although the specific timing of these requests remains unspecified. The army has raised concerns about the increasing number of resignations, signaling a critical manpower crisis that affects all age groups and military ranks.

The Israeli army anticipates further resignation requests from permanent personnel serving in the regular forces, as reported by the daily. The Knesset has not yet approved legal amendments aimed at increasing pension entitlements for officers and soldiers, with proposed rates ranging between 7-11%.

The newspaper clarified that the 500 resignation requests originated from permanent personnel in regular service rather than reservists. This wave of resignations is attributed to low salaries and significant attrition from military service, particularly during the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The army is facing challenges in persuading thousands of officers and non-commissioned officers to continue their permanent service, with potential declines in overall performance expected as a result. Since October 2023, Israel's military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of nearly 70,700 people, mostly women and children, and have left over 171,000 injured, reducing the enclave to rubble.