Significant rise in Haredi recruits: The data revealed - and the gap that remains very large

A significant increase in the number of Haredi recruits to the IDF: In the past year, at least 4,000 Haredim enlisted, including 1,000 combat soldiers, compared to 2,800 the previous year. Despite the increase, the annual potential stands at about 14,000 Haredim, and the gap remains large. The IDF attributes the rise to increased enforcement, personal sanctions, and adjustments for Haredi service.

A significant increase in the number of Haredi recruits to the IDF: In the past year, at least 4,000 Haredim enlisted, including 1,000 combat soldiers, compared to 2,800 the previous year and 2,200 in the first year of the war. The data is higher than previous estimates of 3,500. The IDF attributes the rise to increased enforcement, personal sanctions, arrest waves, and adjustments for Haredi service, such as the Hashmonaim Brigade and dedicated tracks. However, the annual potential stands at about 14,000 Haredim, and the gap remains large. The IDF emphasizes the urgent need for manpower, with a shortage of 7,500 combat soldiers and a similar number of combat support personnel, against the backdrop of over 950 soldiers killed in the war. The Chief of Staff signed a dedicated order for integrating Haredim, and an advisor for Haredi affairs was appointed. The government approved a law to freeze arrests of draft dodgers, but the High Court issued an interim order against it.