Israeli youth are highly motivated to serve in IDF but don't trust senior leadership, survey finds

A survey by the IDSF, a forum of former senior Israeli security officials, found that 77% of Israeli youth feel highly motivated to serve in the IDF, with 57% motivated to draft into combat units. However, only 30% express high trust in the IDF's senior command, while 41% have low or very low trust. The survey also shows 75% support maintaining mandatory conscription, and infantry is the most popular role.

A survey conducted by the Israel Defense and Security Forum (IDSF) in August 2026 reveals that while Israeli youth are highly motivated to serve in the IDF, they lack trust in its senior leadership. The IDSF, a forum of former senior Israeli security officials from the IDF, Mossad, Shin Bet, and police, surveyed 377 people aged 16-18. The findings show that 77% of young Israelis feel highly motivated to serve, with 57% motivated to draft into combat units. However, only 30% express high trust in the IDF's senior command, while 41% have low or very low trust. Despite this, over 60% view the IDF as a 'victorious army.' The survey also found that 75% support maintaining the current model of mandatory conscription. Infantry is the most popular role at 40%, followed by the Armored Corps at 14%. The biggest motivator for service is the type of education received, with 42% citing it, followed by parents' army service at 38%. The data shows the greatest desire in 10 years to serve in combat units, with trends shifting in 2024.