IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir announced on Monday that the service length commitments for IDF special forces who have already finished training and are currently in combat will remain unchanged.
The decision followed recommendations by a review team led by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Abulafia and Ground Forces Commander Maj.-Gen. Nadav Lotan.
Due to the intense IDF combat operations across multiple fronts over the past two years, since October 7, 2023, the military said it would end delays in discharge for special forces combat soldiers in the Ground Forces beginning in November 2025.
These soldiers will continue serving under their current terms. For those still in training or yet to enlist, the service extension will be introduced gradually.
Starting with recruits who enlisted in August 2024, combat soldiers will see their mandatory service extended by approximately four months.
Special forces soldiers enlisting in the ground forces from August 2024 onward will serve approximately eight months longer.
Zamir also ordered an evaluation of a potential service extension of up to 12 months for soldiers in commando units and the elite combat engineering unit, Yahalom Unit.
The plan will be implemented gradually across Unit 888, the Oketz canine unit, the Commando Brigade, and Yahalom.
Additional details regarding the timeline, benefits, and rights will be provided to soldiers through their units.
Extension of IDF service
In July, Israel’s government approved a bill sponsored by the Defense Ministry to extend mandatory service for men in most IDF units from 32 to 36 months, The Jerusalem Post previously reported.
The IDF emphasized that no special forces combat soldier will serve beyond their original enlistment period.
Zamir clarified that the proposed extension applies specifically to the service commitments of soldiers in these units, and is not a general extension of service for all combat soldiers or mandatory service.