Full Breakdown
Bennett Says IDF Faces Collapse Without Haredi Draft
By Drooid · · How we work
Bennett’s Warning on the Manpower Crisis
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett warned on September 29, 2026 that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) could collapse because the ultra-Orthodox (haredim) are not being drafted. Speaking at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where families of victims have built a “Sukkah of Failure,” Bennett said the army is short 20,000 combat soldiers and that the shortage is already costing lives. He pledged that, if his party joins the next government, a state commission of inquiry will be created to investigate the failures surrounding the Oct. 7 incident and to prevent a repeat.
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
The warning comes after three years of war that have strained Israel’s reserve-duty system. IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen Eyal Zamir has repeatedly warned that the force is “on the verge of collapse” unless a solution to the manpower shortage is found. Haredi parties — Shas and United Torah Judaism — have historically boycotted coalition voting over legislation that would end their exemption from service.
Official Statements & Responses
He also said his government would cut state funding to haredi schools that do not teach a core curriculum. The proposed commission of inquiry would have a “broad mandate” to examine the Oct. 7 events, earlier warnings, and systemic issues that led to the current crisis.
Criticism & Opposition
Activist Einav Zangauker, mother of former hostage Matan Zangauker, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using “scare tactics” at the Sukkot event, claiming the prime minister ignored warnings from the IDF chief of staff, the Shin Bet chief, and regional partners.
Data & Statistics
- IDF shortfall: 20,000 combat soldiers.
- Chief of staff reported 10 red-flag warnings about the shortage.
- Bennett says the lack of observers and snipers leads to drone-related casualties and forces soldiers to abandon and recapture positions, increasing bloodshed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am here today at Hostages Square, which symbolizes the terrible failure of the October 7 government, which has yet to be investigated. Everyone who was part of this failure must immediately step down,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister