Bennett: If We Dont Draft Haredim in the Next Term, the IDF Will Simply Collapse
Former PM Naftali Bennett stated the IDF could collapse if Haredi men aren't drafted next term, citing a shortage of 20,000 soldiers.
Jerusalem, 29 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned Tuesday that the IDF could collapse if Haredi men are not drafted during the next government’s term.
Speaking at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Bennett said Israel faces a strategic security warning because of what he described as a shortage of soldiers. He claimed the IDF is short 20,000 fighters and said the shortage is already affecting operations and putting soldiers at risk.
Bennett linked the manpower shortage to the dispute over Haredi military service, saying Israel has 1.5 million Haredim and that the military needs reinforcements.
“If we don’t draft Haredim in the next term, the IDF will collapse,” Bennett said.
He also pledged that his party would seek to draft all eligible citizens and end state funding for those who evade military service, making the issue a campaign theme.