Ultra-Orthodox IDF recruitment increases by 24%, record numbers in combat units

The IDF’s Hashmonaim Brigade also recorded a new high, with 96 ultra-Orthodox combat recruits joining the unit.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

As Israel continues efforts to expand military service within the ultra-Orthodox sector following a landmark court ruling, the Israel Defense Forces reported a sharp rise in Haredi enlistment during the latest recruitment cycle, according to the Israel Democracy Institute.

The Israel Defense Forces said 433 ultra-Orthodox recruits joined designated military service tracks during the April-May 2026 recruitment cycle, a 24% increase compared with the same period in 2025, as the military continues efforts to expand enlistment within the Haredi sector.

According to figures released during the latest recruitment cycle, 272 of the new recruits enlisted in combat roles, marking a record number of ultra-Orthodox combat soldiers for the period.

The IDF’s Hashmonaim Brigade also recorded a new high, with 96 ultra-Orthodox combat recruits joining the unit during the cycle.

The increase comes as Israel continues implementing enlistment measures following a 2024 High Court of Justice ruling that mandated military conscription for the ultra-Orthodox sector after blanket exemptions expired.

According to the figures provided, more than 79,000 conscription orders have been issued since the ruling.

The Israel Democracy Institute said enforcement measures introduced after the court decision contributed to gradual increases in recruitment while noting that broader manpower challenges remain for the military.

Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb, head of the IDF’s Personnel Support Division, praised the new recruits in comments cited by i24.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the new recruits. Their service in the IDF constitutes a central pillar in the force buildup effort and in safeguarding the security of the State of Israel. Many of them are pioneers within their families and communities,” Tayeb said.

Tayeb said the rise in enlistment reflected continued efforts to widen military participation and improve the army’s ability to integrate ultra-Orthodox recruits while maintaining religious accommodations.

He said the military was working to integrate members of the ultra-Orthodox community “while fully preserving their way of life through a wide variety of dedicated service tracks.”

Despite the increase, Tayeb said the military’s operational demands remain substantially higher.

“The operational need remains significantly greater, as does the IDF’s capacity to absorb additional recruits. Given the scope of its missions, the IDF must continue expanding the number of recruits and service members from all sectors of Israeli society.”