“Crisis in Israel”: Report reveals shortage in military commanders as fighting continues

The “Israeli” Occupation Forces (IOF) is grappling with a significant shortage of approximately 300 combat officers, particularly platoon commanders in ground forces, according to an internal assessment cited by Hebrew news outlet “Maariv”.

The deficit is most pronounced in the Combat Engineering Corps, which also lacks demolition team leaders, prompting the IOF to appoint veteran sergeants as acting platoon commanders.

According to the report, this “crisis” extends to company commander positions, with the IOF resorting to appointing officers who haven't completed the necessary training courses.

The army acknowledges a broader "erosion of forces," estimating a shortfall of 7,500 combat soldiers and 2,500 combat support personnel. The deficit is largely attributed to the expansion of combat units since the war began, including over 30 percent growth in armored corps and a near doubling of the Combat Engineering Corps.

Compounding the issue, many “Israeli” officers have been killed or wounded, with dozens unable to return to combat roles due to ongoing rehabilitation.

To mitigate the shortfall, the IOF has opened an additional officer training battalion at Bahad 1, already running two cycles of reserve officer courses, Maariv adds.

The strain is also significant for battalion and brigade commanders, who face immense combat load and prolonged separation from families.

More senior officers are reportedly seeking less demanding assignments to rebuild their family lives.

Reserve battalion commanders average 400-450 reserve days since October 7, with many planning transitions to staff or training roles after four years due to burnout and career setbacks.

While the IOF spokesperson stated no gaps exist in regular units, the shortage in reserve platoon commanders is a long-standing issue now exacerbated by the conflict.