Record number of haredim enlist in IDF

The December-January cohort includes 230 combat recruits and 307 for combat support units.

By Batya Jerenberg, World Israel News

The IDF announced Monday that a record number of 537 men from the ultra-Orthodox sector enlisted in the December-January cohort of draftees for haredi tracks in the army.

In the main recruitment drive, which began on Sunday, 230 men joined combat units, while another 307 enlisted in combat support units “in a wide variety of positions,” the army said.

The figure more than doubled the number from the previous cohort in September, when 240 haredim joined dedicated combat and noncombat frameworks designed to fully preserve a religious lifestyle during military service.

Speaking to the new recruits at the Tel Hashomer Recruitment Center, Personnel Directorate commander Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa praised them as trailblazers.

“You are going to do great things for the security of the people of Israel and the state,” he said, adding that the IDF would not compromise on enabling them to serve “while preserving your Torah world and the spirit of Jewish law.”

“Operational necessity requires us to fill the ranks,” he added. “You are pioneers, and many more will come after you.”

Despite the increase, the vast majority of haredi men still do not serve in the military, largely due to pressure from senior rabbis who fear that service will lead their followers to abandon all religious observance — a concern not supported by available data.

Opposition to haredi enlistment was on display Sunday, when dozens — and possibly hundreds — of demonstrators protested outside the IDF’s Jerusalem recruitment office and attempted to block access to the Tel Hashomer base in Kiryat Ono.

Clashes erupted with police after protesters lay down in the road to prevent vehicles from entering Tel Hashomer.

The IDF has made huge efforts, especially over the last two years, to expand existing haredi service tracks and create new ones.

These frameworks exclude women, including instructors, in accordance with modesty requirements, maintain especially strict kashrut supervision, and provide dedicated time for daily prayer and Torah study.

Haredi-only combat units currently operate within IDF divisions such as Givati and the Paratroopers, alongside the Netzach Yehuda infantry battalion in the Kfir Brigade.

The first all-haredi brigade, called the Hasmonean Brigade, was established a year ago and has already seen combat against Hamas in Gaza.

Dozens of men have also joined the brigade through a shortened track for combat reservists.

Noncombat haredi service options include roles in the air force, navy, intelligence, Border Police, Home Front Command, and technology and logistics units.