In comments to Yedioth Ahronoth, the soldier described the situation as unsustainable, stating that Netanyahu’s “war of attrition” in Gaza is “crushing the soldiers.” He criticized the decision to allow tens of thousands of Haredi Jews to avoid military service, saying it disproportionately burdens secular troops. “The collapse is coming,” he warned.

The Haredi community has protested military service mandates, arguing that Torah study is their spiritual duty and protects the nation. Senior rabbis have called on students to reject conscription orders outright, with some even urging them to destroy their draft notices.

The Haredim, who make up around 13% of Israel’s population, have historically avoided military integration, citing religious preservation. The recent court ruling has escalated tensions, and prominent rabbis continue to issue religious edicts against army service.

Mental Health Crisis Among Troops

The situation in the Israeli military has also raised concerns over mental health. Reports indicate that traumatized and previously discharged soldiers are being called back into reserve duty. A May report in Haaretz revealed that 42 Israeli soldiers had died by suicide since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

An Italian news report highlighted the psychological toll on Israeli soldiers involved in fighting in both Gaza and southern Lebanon, pointing to widespread trauma, emotional breakdowns, and state denial of the crisis.

Meanwhile, retired Major General Yisrael Ziv said that armed groups in Gaza—especially Hamas’s Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades—remain capable of launching “swift and effective” counterstrikes, further undermining the morale and strategic confidence of Israeli forces.