Social perceptions and the level of motivation to enlist in the IDF

1.Introduction

Since the October 7, 2023 attack and the outbreak of the “Iron Swords” War, research and surveys have shown a sharp rise in motivation to serve in the IDF—particularly in willingness to serve in combat roles—following a decade marked by an accelerated shift toward non-combat and prestige-oriented service paths driven by individualistic motivations among Israeli youth. This phenomenon is supported by in-depth civil–military studies indicating that national traumatic events rapidly reshape the value priorities of conscription-age cohorts, restoring the salience of ideological–normative motives. However, the stability of this pattern depends on sustained trust, perceived fairness, competence, and institutional support. Professional reports in military psychology further emphasize that initial motivation for military service is also influenced by social–public framing and the visibility of combat soldiers’ contributions; without reinforcement mechanisms (trust in command, proper conditions, recognition), such motivation may erode over time.

Over the past generation, research has documented a gradual shift in the motivational composition of Israeli youth regarding military enlistment—from a collectivist–ideological orientation toward a more individualistic one (self-fulfillment, personal benefit)—coupled with a relatively stable willingness to enlist but changing inclinations toward combat service by gender, family…