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IDF Revamps Medical Screening to Streamline Recruitment Process

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will overhaul its pre-draft medical screening after a year-long review, canceling routine testicular, foot, and urine exams.
Of more than 150,000 testicular exams, only four changed a soldier’s medical profile.
The overhaul aims to streamline the process, reducing exam time from 15 minutes to under 10.
A new blood test for female recruits will identify anemia, with a pilot starting at Tel Hashomer before expansion.

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Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will overhaul its pre-draft medical screening after a year-long review, canceling routine testicular, foot, and urine exams.
Of more than 150,000 testicular exams, only four changed a soldier’s medical profile.
The overhaul aims to streamline the process, reducing exam time from 15 minutes to under 10.
A new blood test for female recruits will identify anemia, with a pilot starting at Tel Hashomer before expansion.