Staffing the Israel Defense Force in the 21st Century

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Harel, Amos

Contributor:

Popper, Steven W.

Language:

English

Place of Publication:

RAND Corporation 2024

Summary:

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) is at a crossroads. The IDF was originally envisioned as a "people's army" in which all citizens would be expected to serve and that would build social cohesion. But some sections of society are exempt from military service entirely or are not required to serve, thus causing tensions with those who are required to serve. On the other hand, for various reasons, the IDF may need fewer personnel than previously. Various solutions have been proposed for these dilemmas, such as removing some of the exemptions so that service appears more equitable or turning to a more professional, volunteer force. The authors detail the issues that Israel faces in balancing military manpower requirements not only against potential security threats but also with its complex social and political fabric. They consider both the environment prior to the Hamas assault of October 7, 2023, and what may have changed. They examine a possible midway solution: a coordinated model of compulsory national service that is not limited to military service that would rest on principles of universal participation, optimized pathways to suit different communities' ways of life, the IDF receiving first draft choice, exemptions for talented youth on agreed principles, and volunteer services run by civilian bodies. Although research was concluded prior to the 2023–2024 conflict in Gaza, the authors conjecture that the issues discussed will have even more relevance going forward and point to several directions of possible change as a result of the war.