IDF set for historic change to broaden eligibility for combat roles

The IDF is expected to make a historic adjustment to its combat eligibility system, lowering the threshold for some roles as the military faces a major personnel shortage. KAN News reported that the decision had finally gone through after months of reports that such a move was under consideration.

Under the previous system, a soldier needed a medical profile of at least 72 out of 100 to be considered for any combat role. Those assigned a profile of 64 because of a minor, though still significant, medical condition were automatically excluded.

The new system would create a profile score of 70. Soldiers who might previously have been downgraded from 72 to 64 could instead receive a 70 and remain eligible for selected combat positions. These include artillery, air defense and certain other air force functions. They would not serve in infantry brigades such as Golani or Givati.

Since Hamas's October 7, 2023 invasion, the IDF has cited a shortage of 7,000 combat soldiers and 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers overall. The article links the shortage to soldiers killed and wounded in recent years and to expanded standing-army requirements intended to prevent future invasions.

The lower profile standard is controversial but has been viewed as a near- and medium-term way to address the problem, particularly as haredi enlistment has not significantly increased under the current government. The IDF had not responded to repeated requests by publication time, leaving open the possibility that controversy could still delay or block the change.