Haredi enlistment rises, but gap persists as social tensions simmer

At least 4,000 Haredim enlisted in the past year, but the annual potential of 14,000 highlights a persistent gap amid political and legal battles.

Haredi enlistment rises, but gap persists as social tensions simmer — The father of Haymanot Kasau, Tesfaye, spoke emotionally today demanding that authorities locate his missing daughter, who was last seen in February 2024. He thanked Yair Lapid for appealing to Prime Minister Netanyahu to expand resources in the search.[^1] The case underscores a broader societal strain: while the state mobilizes for security, individual tragedies risk being overshadowed. In the past year, at least 4,000 Haredim enlisted in the IDF, including 1,000 combat soldiers, according to data published by Ynet.[^2] Yet the annual potential stands at about 14,000 Haredim, and the gap remains very large, especially given a shortage of 7,500 combat soldiers and a similar number of combat support personnel. The government approved a law to freeze arrests of draft dodgers, but the High Court issued an interim order against it, creating a legal and political standoff. Meanwhile, social workers are on the brink: about 7,400 specialists are at risk of protesting, as one worker handles an average of 207 families, projected to reach 246 by 2030.[^3] The law expanded social workers' duties without increasing staffing, raising the dilemma of whether one group's rights can be expanded at the expense of another's health. Education Minister Yoav Kisch also opened a front against the Teachers' Union, announcing an investigation into fund transfers, drawing a sharp response from union head Ran Erez.[^4] IDF strikes, drone interceptions, and a canceled home seizure — On Monday, the IDF eliminated Muhammad Khalil Muhammad Aslam, a Nukhba platoon commander in Islamic Jihad, in a precise strike in Khan Yunis.[^1] Aslam was involved in the October 7 massacre. Separately, over the past 24 hours, the Israeli Air Force intercepted three Iranian drones flying at low altitude along hidden routes in the southern Dead Sea area.[^2] A source told the Post that the drones were likely launched by Iran-backed Iraqi militias.[^3] Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking after a security meeting on the evening of July 27, emphasized that Israel is prepared to strike with force if attacked: "We have prepared twice in Ira