Israeli economist and publicist Shlomo Maoz proposed a way to solve the shortage crisis in the army: create a "foreign legion" in the IDF of professional fighters from all over the world. Maoz writes about his initiative in an author's column in the major Israeli newspaper Maariv.
According to the economist, Israel is facing a serious personnel shortage. Since October 2023, the army has been fighting in several directions at once, and reservists are under intense pressure. Maoz claims that by May 2026, the army lacks about 15 thousand troops, including up to 9 thousand soldiers for combat units.
The author connects the situation primarily with the mass refusal of a part of the ultra-Orthodox sector to serve in the army. He recalls that after the repeal of the Tal law, many yeshiva students are legally obliged to serve, but the state, according to him, does not actually achieve mass conscription.
Against this background, Maoz proposes to use Israel's foreign exchange reserves to recruit foreign professional military personnel. According to his plan, about 12 thousand soldiers are needed, united in several brigades under the command of Israeli officers.
He proposes to attract former military personnel from Eastern Europe, Latin America and other countries, paying them a salary of 8-10 thousand dollars per month. Maoz estimates the total cost of the project at $2.5−3 billion annually.
As an example, he cites Ukraine, where the foreign legion was expanded after the start of the war. According to him, about 10 thousand foreign military personnel from dozens of countries are currently serving there. In addition, he mentions the French Foreign Legion and the Gurkhas — military units consisting of Nepalese volunteers who have been officially serving in the British and Indian armies for more than two centuries.
Maoz believes that foreign fighters could partially replace reservists, reduce the burden on the economy and allow thousands of Israelis to return to normal life and work. He also claims that professional contract soldiers may be more prepared than reservists who are periodically called up for service.
At the same time, the author recognizes the serious risks of such a model. Among them is a blow to the concept of the "people's army", possible dependence on foreigners, loyalty problems, as well as fears that military service will gradually become the responsibility of the "poor and newcomers", and not the whole society.
Maoz proposes to integrate foreigners into the IDF structure under the control of Israeli commanders, dividing the units according to the language principle. It also allows for the granting of citizenship to those who serve for several years.
He argues that the financing of the project could be partially secured by reducing coalition spending and benefits for the ultra-orthodox sector.