DNA Collection Halted for 20,000 Military Recruits Amid Funding Dispute
The IDF has suspended DNA collection for 20,000 military recruits, including combat soldiers, due to a funding dispute.
Content type: Breaking NewsSource: TPS
Jerusalem, 3 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it has been unable to collect DNA samples from roughly 20,000 recruits, including combat soldiers who enlisted in July and August.
The samples are normally preserved for years and can be used to identify soldiers or their remains.
Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that the IDF lacked the equipment needed to preserve the samples and that a funding dispute between the IDF Rabbinate and Medical Corps led to the suspension of DNA collection.