Israel increases sanctions on military deserters

The Israeli army’s Military Prosecutor’s Office is reportedly preparing to intensify sanctions against deserters in the environment created by the continued attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip since October 7.

According to Israeli Army Radio, the Army Prosecutor’s Office is preparing to impose additional sanctions on those who evade mandatory and voluntary military reserve service in the country. In this context, it was reported that the implementation of measures such as sentencing deserters to longer prison sentences and demoting them to the rank of private are on the agenda.

Approximately 350,000 volunteer reserve troops were recruited after Israel launched an attack on the blockaded Gaza Strip on October 7.

In Israel, mandatory military service is 2 years for women and approximately 3 years for men. Most soldiers who complete their mandatory military service are called up to train as volunteer reserve soldiers at different times of the year until they are 41 years old.

Additionally, high-ranking soldiers and commanders can continue to serve as volunteer reserve soldiers in the military after age 41. (AA)