<P> In 1949 , after the founding of the State of Israel , the Defense Service Law gave the IDF the authority to enlist any citizen . Draftees would then be required to show up for the draft in accordance with the military 's decision to enlist them . Under this law , the period of service for men was 30 months and for women 18 months ( although in accordance with a temporary order from January 10 , 1968 , six additional months were added to the mandatory service , 36 months for men and 24 months for women respectively . ) The draft requirement applies to any citizen or permanent resident who has reached the age of 18 , and in accordance with the law , the individuals who are exempt from the draft are dismissed for various reasons , such as incapability , medical problems , military personnel needs , etc . Many of the soldiers who complete their mandatory military service are later obligated to serve in a reserve unit in accordance with the military 's needs . </P>
how long do you have to serve in the israeli military
36 months for men and 24 months for women