This would be the second cut in the last year or so, with service being reduced from 36 to 32 months in July 2015. Neither of these amendments will affect women, as they typically serve two years of mandatory service unless they are a part of an extended-service unit.
Jerusalem Post quotes committee member Rachel Azaria, who thinks the shift will signal a positive change in the country saying, "the security needs of Israel will not be hurt, as combat troops and special forces soldiers will have the possibility to extend their service."
Azaria also feels the reduction will be "excellent news for the Israeli economy," adding that, "An early release to the workforce will strengthen the economy and will help with economic challenges faced by the State of Israel."
November statistics from the Israeli Defense Forces’ Manpower Directorate indicate a reduction in many army positions, including officers and soldiers, following the 2015 4-month downgrade.
Despite this, Directorate head Brig. Gen. Eran Shani told the committee last month that, "Wars are decided by the reserves, not by the standing army…The army would be happy to have soldiers… but there are other things the country needs," according to the Times of Israel.
Jerusalem’s Finance Ministry feels that shortening the period of service will help to increase both production and the job market, by sending soldiers into the workforce at a younger age. The Ministry believes the bill could serve as "a step that will improve the conditions for combat soldiers and increase motivation for all soldiers."
One of the bill’s critics, former IDF general MK Eyal Ben-Reuven of the Zionist Union, suggested that such a change may not be wise if the impact is not adequately considered. "Without proper staff-level work by the IDF that defines what it wants and what it needs for the years in question, it’s not right to pass this law now," he said.
Committee chair MK Dichter remarked that military and finance personnel may be invited to review the mandatory service reduction and its implications.
"The committee may invite representatives of the army and Finance Ministry to review the progress made toward shortening mandatory service, and the expected implications" that may arise.
"The military agreed that shorter mandatory services periods would not hurt or weaken Israel’s security, because of the expected rise in recruitment numbers, regardless of the positive economic outcome such a move will have." said Finance Ministry representative Ofer Margalit, "The legislation now will provide certainty of process, but also enough time to properly prepare the army."
