Israeli youth trust the army, but there's a catch – poll

A poll by the IDSF forum among 377 Israeli teenagers aged 16–18 showed record motivation to serve: 77% want to serve, 57% only in combat units, with infantry as the favorite (40%). However, trust in the top brass is low: only 30% trust them, 41% have low trust. 75% support mandatory conscription. Main incentives are education and parental example.

A fresh poll by the IDSF security forum, conducted in August 2026 among 377 respondents aged 16 to 18, revealed a paradox in the mood of Israeli youth. On one hand, motivation to serve is hitting decade-high records: about 77% of participants feel strong motivation to put on a military uniform, with 57% firmly set on combat units only. The undisputed favorite remains the infantry (nearly 40%), followed by armored corps (14%), border troops, air force, and youth structures. The least demanded is service in the Home Front Command. Three-quarters of respondents (75%) support maintaining the current model of mandatory conscription into the IDF.

Israeli youth trust the army, but there's a catch – poll