ISTANBUL Israel’s military is facing a deepening manpower crisis as it deploys forces across multiple fronts, with senior officials warning of severe troop shortages, mounting operational strain, and the risk of internal collapse. Military spokesperson Effie Defrin estimates that the army is short of around 15,000 soldiers, including between 7,000 and 8,000 combat troops, as missions expand across several arenas. “The army is suffering a shortage of about 15,000 soldiers, including 7,000 to 8,