The Israeli military is open to volunteers, including those with medical issues and from the diaspora, as it faces a troop shortage. The IDF's volunteer program has also drawn attention for its exemptions and funding, with some outlets reporting that a significant percentage of exemptions go to secular Israelis and that US nonprofits provide millions of dollars in support. The Israeli military's actions, including its treatment of aid flotillas and its role in conflicts, have sparked global protests and controversy.