IDF: Draft of ultra-Orthodox rises 53% in a year
The IDF reported a 53% increase in the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox over the past year: from 2,811 in the 2024 draft year to 4,298 in 2025. The data was presented by Brigadier General Shai Tayeb at a meeting on August 3. The number of ultra-Orthodox evading the draft stands at about 72,000.
The IDF reported a significant increase in the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox: over the past year, the number of drafted rose by 53%—from 2,811 in the 2024 draft year to 4,298 in 2025. The data was presented by the head of the IDF Planning and Personnel Directorate, Brigadier General Shai Tayeb, at a meeting with the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, on August 3. The IDF draft year does not coincide with the calendar year: it runs from July to June, so the results for 2025 became known only a month ago. The increase was higher than forecasts: in June, Tayeb expected an increase of about 25%, to 3,500, but the actual figure exceeded expectations by nearly 800. Over three years, the number of drafted ultra-Orthodox grew almost 2.5 times: from 1,700–1,800 per year before 2022 to about 2,800 in 2024. The 2025 result approached the target of 4,800 set by the draft law for yeshiva students. 69% of recruits entered special programs for ultra-Orthodox, 22% were assigned to combat units, and 58% received technological positions or entered courses. Despite the increase, the number of ultra-Orthodox evading the draft is about 72,000, and the 4,300 who enlisted represent only about 30% of one annual cohort of 18-year-old ultra-Orthodox (about 14,000). The IDF's minimum need is an additional 12,000 soldiers annually, of which about 60% must serve in combat units. The increase in enlistment is attributed to sanctions and detentions of evaders, as well as investments in special army programs.