Tel Aviv, March 28, 2026 (Agencies) — Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has issued a stark warning that the army is nearing “collapse from within” as it struggles to sustain operations across multiple active fronts, including Iran, Hezbollah, Gaza, Syria, and the West Bank.
Speaking during a Security Cabinet meeting, Zamir highlighted severe manpower shortages and deepening internal crises, cautioning that reserve forces “will not hold up” under current pressures. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, he criticized the government for failing to address structural issues such as the conscription of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews, amendments to the Reserve Law, and the extension of mandatory service periods. “I am raising 10 red flags,” Zamir reportedly said, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
He noted that escalating violence in the West Bank has forced the Israeli occupation forces to deploy additional units, further straining already overstretched personnel. Zamir stressed that the government has yet to pass key legislation needed to alleviate the crisis, exacerbating the burden on existing forces.
In his assessment, the Chief of Staff warned that the army may soon be unable to carry out its missions even under normal conditions. He cautioned that the continuation of current pressures could lead to a serious decline in Israel’s military readiness, raising alarm over the sustainability of the country’s war effort.