IDF Opens July-August Draft as Thousands Join Combat Units

Israel’s 2026 July-August recruitment cycle opened Sunday, with thousands of young men and women due to join the IDF over the coming weeks, including combat formations. The military said Meitav and training bases prepared to receive the recruits, while induction plans were aligned with operational needs across units and brigades. The first day was assigned to the Armored Corps, with intake moved away from the main induction base amid tensions with Iran. Personnel Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa told the recruits they would become the fighters and commanders who lead the IDF.