From 2026, men and volunteer women will serve only in the army, according to a Defense Ministry bill expected to be tabled soon. Currently, service is set at 12 months, with exceptions, and there is also the option of enlistment in the navy or air force.
The new plan reduces the duration of service to 9 months for everyone and introduces a reward, still unspecified, for those who enlist immediately after finishing high school.
Deferrals for studies will change, from 26 to 25 years of age, while those attending vocational high schools or training institutes will be eligible for postponement until 22 instead of 24.
Today, military service in the army is 12 months, with the option of serving in the air force or navy, also for 12 months.
Exemptions from service (I5) will also become harder to obtain, as they will require a diagnosis from a doctor in the public health system followed by review from an army committee.
The reason for stricter rules on exemptions is that while 8,376 people were granted I5 status in 2020, by 2024 the number had risen to 11,389. The ministry believes this points to widespread abuse.
Finally, incentives will be introduced for draft evaders to serve, while changes are also planned for those who want to buy out their service: they will be able to do so only after the age of 40, instead of 32 as is currently the case.
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