Israel's cabinet approved on Friday putting to vote the extension of the mandatory service time for soldiers to 36 months, a total of three years, Israeli media reported on Friday morning.

If the decision receives final approval, it will be in place for the next eight years. Another vote at the next cabinet meeting will take place on Sunday.

The approval came days after war minister Yoav Gallant's harsh criticism, in which he accused cabinet members of getting involved in the issue for political reasons. 

Following the announcement, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel condemned the decision to extend the military service to 36 months while over 60,00 yeshiva students continue to benefit from illegal exemption from conscription, according to a statement the organization released on Friday.

Earlier this month Gallant said the Israeli army needs 10,000 more soldiers immediately amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.