TEL AVIV, Israel – Web Desk: Israel’s military chief, Eyal Zamir, has issued a stark warning about growing internal strain within the armed forces, cautioning that the military could face serious structural challenges if urgent measures are not taken.
In a rare and strongly worded statement, Zamir said he was raising “multiple red flags” to highlight the severity of the situation, as ongoing conflict continues to put pressure on Israel’s military capacity.
He noted that reserve troops are increasingly exhausted on the battlefield, with many losing the ability to continue prolonged combat operations, a development that could significantly weaken overall military effectiveness.
Zamir stressed that immediate reforms, particularly related to reserve service policies, are essential to prevent further deterioration within the military’s internal framework. Failure to act, he warned, could pose risks to national security.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also expressed concern, stating that Israel is currently facing a shortage of approximately 20,000 troops. He criticized the government for initiating military operations without sufficient planning, resources, or manpower.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid described the warning as unprecedented, saying that during his 13 years in Israel’s security cabinet, he had never encountered such a serious assessment.
Analysts say the remarks reflect mounting pressure on Israel’s military and political leadership as the ongoing conflict continues to strain resources, personnel, and public confidence.
