Israeli Military Updates Casualty Figures as Conflict Intensifies
The Israeli military has released updated figures on casualties among its forces since the war began on October 7, 2023, acknowledging the deaths of 793 soldiers. Although Israel typically withholds casualty information under "military censorship," this report reveals that among the fallen are 192 officers, including 67 platoon commanders, 63 company commanders, and several senior commanders. The breakdown indicates that 48% of those killed were conscripts, 18% were in "permanent service," and 34% were reservists.
Recently, Israeli media reported the death of a Golani Brigade officer and severe injuries to another in clashes in southern Lebanon. Additionally, Channel 14 noted that within the past 48 hours, 11 Israeli soldiers and officers were killed, and over 10 others were injured in combat across Gaza and Lebanon.
Military experts suspect the actual death toll may be higher than reported, as resistance operations in Gaza and Lebanon continue to intensify Israeli losses. In response, the Israeli Ministry of Security is reportedly preparing to expand the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in occupied Jerusalem, adding 600 new graves to accommodate the increase in military casualties.
Israeli Military Faces Manpower Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
According to Army Radio, the Israeli Ministry of Security is expanding the military cemetery on Mount Herzl by an additional 7.7 dunams to meet rising demands due to the ongoing conflict. This expansion is expected to be completed soon to accommodate the increasing number of military fatalities.
In a related issue, Army Radio reports a growing manpower crisis within the Israeli military. Doron Kadosh, a reporter for the outlet, highlighted that the Israeli military’s combat formation in 2024 stands at just 83% of its target levels, reflecting the significant losses in personnel from ongoing fighting. Projections suggest that this could drop further to 81% by 2025 unless changes are implemented.
Also Read: Hezbollah Commemorates Martyr’s Day, Vows Continued Resistance Against Israel
To address this gap, the military has pushed for a swift extension of the regular service period from 30 to 36 months, aiming to increase combat readiness to 96% of required levels. Military leaders are pressing political figures to pass this measure without tying it to broader debates on ultra-Orthodox conscription or reserve service reforms, calling it an “urgent, immediate need.” Currently, of the 3,000 draft orders issued to ultra-Orthodox youths, less than 4% have joined the service, with political support for exemptions from ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir affecting enlistment rates.
Israeli media, including Maariv, have described the military’s challenges as increasingly severe. The army is facing a shortage of approximately 7,000 recruits and is struggling to mobilize reservists; of the 38,000 reservists, 18,000 are combat soldiers and 20,000 are in support roles, but many fail to respond to call-ups, according to the military's Manpower Directorate.
Compounding this challenge, Maariv noted that Israel has been engaged in a multi-front conflict over the past year, with hostilities extending across seven different regional fronts. This prolonged engagement has led to the loss of nearly two divisions, exacerbating the manpower shortage and stretching military resources as the conflict continues.