Israeli government ministers voted on Sunday to extend the mandatory military service in the IDF from 32 to 36 months for men. This government order determines the length for the coming eight years, leaving the ultra-orthodox community exempted from this military service. The government order, once the pre-determined eight years have lapsed, is to become invalid legislation and therefore return the military service required back to 32 months.

The reason behind the extension of military service does not come as a shock as the IDF reported a shortage of troops on Friday. Israel lacks IDF personnel in the Israel-Hamas war, especially for the increased security needed amid escalations on the border to Lebanon where Israel is fighting Hezbollah. Many fear that the military is currently weakening as resources and manpower are slowly decreasing. The war has been ongoing for 9 months now with still no clear end in sight as ceasefire negotiations from both parties continue.

The Movement for Quality Government an Israeli watchdog that officially aims to secure Israel’s democracy denounced the decision as ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel are so far still excused from the draft. The watchdog states that it would be unjust to the men who have to fight and who therefore carry a bigger burden in the war.

The Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant tried to have the law last for ten years instead of eight to rebuild the Israeli military to former strength as well as stating that this is a matter of “math, not politics” as this regards the urgent need for manpower. He also made a public appearance in which he stated that the IDF itself is currently being investigated to recreate trust between the public and the government of Israel.

The law is expected to be passed by next Sunday.