IDF chief tells Haredi commanders army must grow, as data shows uptick in enlistment

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told Haredi commanders on the Lebanon border that the military must expand its ranks, citing an increase in ultra-Orthodox enlistment to 4,000 over the past year, up from 2,800 the previous year, but still short of the 4,800 annual target.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Wednesday told commanders of the Hasmonean Brigade, the military unit designed for ultra-Orthodox soldiers, that the army must expand its ranks. Speaking on the Lebanon border, Zamir said the October 7, 2023 attack taught that the IDF must grow, increase ground combat forces, and build more battalions and brigades. He emphasized the importance of integrating Haredi soldiers while preserving their way of life. The IDF released data showing an uptick in Haredi enlistment: 4,000 ultra-Orthodox soldiers were drafted in the past year, up from 2,800 the previous year and 2,200 the year before that. Before the war, around 1,800 Haredi men were drafted annually. The military's target is 4,800 per year, and the current draft period (July 2025-July 2026) is not yet complete, so the final number may rise. However, the data may be inaccurate as it relies on education system records. Around 80,000 Haredi men aged 18-24 are eligible but not enlisted. The IDF has said it urgently needs 12,000 new recruits amid the ongoing multifront conflict. Haredi leaders oppose enlistment, claiming military service threatens religious observance.