(haipo) – The Chief of Staff responds to rumors regarding the extension of regular service for fightersThis is not an extension of regular service, but rather the activation of the component of permanent service in special units.
IDF spokesman's announcement:
The Chief of Staff has ordered a freeze on the implementation of the commitment to additional permanent service for IDF soldiers in specialized (special) units, as well as the establishment of a review team on the subject; no soldier in specialized units will be required to serve beyond what he committed to upon enlistment in the track.
Last night (Sat, 12/7/25) the Chief of Staff held a discussion regarding the headquarters' work to expand the implementation of the commitment to additional permanent service for IDF fighters in specialized (special) units on the ground. During the discussion, it was clarified that this is not a decision to extend service for all fighters, nor is it an extension of compulsory service for fighters in the units in question, but rather the completion of the additional service period (permanent year) to which fighters who enlist in specialized units on the ground commit in advance, as is customary in these special units.
Fighters in these units sign a commitment at the beginning of the training track for an additional permanent period of regular service, which can last up to a year. This is an orderly process that has been taking place regularly for several years. The commitment is made as part of the service structure, and with reference to the operational need, the required professional level, and the long and unique training track. As stated, this is not a new decision to extend service, but rather the activation of an existing and known component in advance. Until now, the activation of the permanent signature has taken place in an adapted and variable manner according to the needs of the units and the existing resources.
After an initial examination of the issue, the Chief of Staff decided to freeze the implementation of the headquarters' work in full, and assumed that no soldier would be required to serve beyond what he had committed to upon joining the track. In the meantime, the Chief of Staff ordered the establishment of a review team headed by the Commander of the Land Force, Major General Nadav Lotan, and with the participation of the various bodies, whose goal is to examine all operational and professional aspects of the issue, including the significant operational potential inherent in it - this as part of a broad look at the soldier's service model and in accordance with the burden placed on the soldiers during the war. Upon completion of the review, decisions on the issue will be finalized.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that the fighters are the IDF's most important asset and that the IDF and its commanders will continue to do everything possible to provide them with an appropriate and appropriate environment and clarity regarding their service.