Growing number of ultra-Orthodox men joining IDF combat units

Hundreds enlist in IDF’s ultra-Orthodox combat units on Sunday – part of a growing trend among young ultra-Orthodox men toward service in combat units.

By World Israel News Staff

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox young men on Sunday enlisted in IDF combat units created for the ultra-Orthodox sector, as groups assisting religious soldiers report a rise in the number of ultra-Orthodox recruits in combat roles.

The new enlistees gathered at the IDF’s Tel HaShomer induction center in central Israel, which held a recruitment event for incoming ultra-Orthodox soldiers.

The recruits will be assigned to ultra-Orthodox combat companies and battalions, including Netzah Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, the Hetz company in the Paratroopers Brigade, the Hashmonaim Brigade, the Avnet company within the Border Police, the Negev Platoon (also known as the Defenders of the Negev Company), as well as advanced technological tracks also geared for ultra-Orthodox soldiers.

The Netzah Yehuda Association, which supports ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the IDF, reported a “notable increase” in the number of new inductees joining combat units.

“Officials involved in oversight and command note that the current enlistment figures reflect a clear trend of growing willingness to integrate into combat and operational service, as part of a sense of responsibility, mission, and contribution to the country’s security,” the group said.

The father of one new inductee to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion said he was thrilled over his son’s decision to join a combat unit.

“I’m over the moon. We have a son in yeshiva and we’re happy and proud of him, and we have a son who is enlisting and we’re happy and proud of him — this is his calling,” said the father.

The Tayeri family, who came to accompany their son enlisting in the Avnet company of the Border Police, also expressed support for their son serving in a combat role.

“We are proud of him for taking the initiative and paving his own path. He is a modest and sensitive young man; we wish him success in everything he does. His father and mother are with him and proud of him.”

Yossi Levi, CEO of the Shomer Israel Association, an umbrella group representing all the ultra-Orthodox tracks in the IDF, said that the number of ultra-Orthodox recruits is on the rise, both generally and in combat units.

“We are seeing in the current enlistment a significant rise in the choice of combat tracks, alongside growth in the overall number of recruits. Ultra-Orthodox young men today understand that it is possible to combine meaningful service, combat, and contribution to Israel’s security while fully preserving ultra-Orthodox identity.”