IDF Plans to Increase Haredi Recruitment, Faces Shortfall in 2025 Goals

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has outlined its plan to summon 14,000 additional haredim over the next two months in a bid to increase military enlistment from the ultra-Orthodox community. The goal is to recruit 4,800 haredi soldiers for 2025, a significant increase from the usual 1,800 recruits annually, but the IDF anticipates a shortfall of 1,800 soldiers.

According to the IDF's breakdown to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (FADC) on Monday, enlistment will be staggered in three waves: 5,000 haredim on March 13, 5,000 on April 6, and 4,000 on May 4. However, despite these efforts, the IDF estimates that the best result they can achieve is 3,000 recruits, falling short of their target.

The Background of Haredi Military Enlistment

Historically, only about 1,800 haredim out of 10,000-12,000 eligible men join the military each year. However, the government has been under increasing pressure to raise enlistment numbers following the October 7 invasion by Hamas and the ongoing war. This pressure has led to the IDF's revised target of 4,800 recruits for 2025, a 3,000-soldier increase.

Defense Minister Israel Katz’s bill calls for a gradual rise in haredi enlistment, aiming for a 30-40% draft rate within two years and 50% by 2032. This plan is seen as more politically feasible than the more ambitious goals set by his predecessor, Yoav Gallant.

New Strategies to Encourage Enlistment

In an effort to make military service more appealing to the haredi community, the IDF has introduced new options. One notable initiative is the creation of a new haredi fighting brigade distinct from the Netzach Yehuda Brigade, which had previously been the primary unit for haredi soldiers. This new unit aims to accommodate religious needs more effectively.

Additionally, the IDF has introduced positions in technical and logistical roles, including service at Hardened Aircraft Shelters and the Yoav Track within the Logistics Command. These positions are designed to be more attractive to haredi men, offering roles outside of direct combat, such as in air force bases and other military sectors.

Legislative and Political Challenges

The push for higher haredi enlistment has faced resistance from some factions within the haredi political establishment. Some haredi politicians have threatened to leave the government if a new exemption bill isn’t passed, while others remain in the coalition, fearing a future government might impose even stricter policies.

The Israeli High Court has played a pivotal role in shaping this debate. In April 2024, the court froze hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for yeshivas and daycare programs for haredim who do not serve in the IDF. This ruling has fueled the urgency to find solutions that balance the haredi community’s religious practices with the country’s security needs.