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

A growing number of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men in Israel are choosing to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), marking a notable shift from the once-common refrain of “better to die than enlist.” According to the latest IDF figures, at least 4,000 Haredi men joined the military between July 2025 and July 2026, representing a substantial increase from the 2,800 recorded in the prior year and the 2,200 in the year before that. This rise follows a much lower rate of enlistment, around 1,700 annually, before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which triggered a broader national mobilization. The increased enlistment includes approximately 1,000 recruits entering combat units, though this still accounts for only a small fraction of the estimated 14,000 Haredi men who reach draft age each year. While these numbers fall far short of the IDF’s need for 7,500 combat soldiers and another 7,500 non-combat personnel, the upward trend suggests a gradual change in attitudes within the community. The Haredi leadership continues to argue that it is forbidden to draft yeshiva students, whose Torah study is considered their primary vocation, and that they contribute to national defense through their spiritual work. Despite these arguments, the rising number of enlistments coincides with intensified pressure from the government and the IDF. Over the past year, the coalition government has imposed stricter sanctions on draft evaders, including arrests and potential criminal charges, which have reportedly influenced some Haredi men to reconsider their stance. These measures have faced resistance from Haredi activists, who have organized protests and lobbied lawmakers to weaken or repeal such policies. In a recent attempt to counteract these sanctions, the coalition proposed a bill to freeze the arrest of draft evaders, but the proposal was temporarily halted by a High Court injunction. The IDF has also taken steps to make military service more compatible with Haredi lifestyle choices. Initiatives such as the establishment of the Hashmonaim Brigade, a unit specifically designed for Haredi recruits, alongside specialized training tracks and accommodations for religious practices, have helped ease concerns about losing one’s identity upon joining the military. These efforts aim to reassure Haredi men that they can serve without compromising their traditions or daily routines. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the importance of integrating Haredi soldiers into the military, stating that their participation is essential for the country’s security. During a visit to the Hasmonean Brigade, Zamir reiterated the need for the IDF to grow and strengthen its ranks, noting that the number of Haredi recruits had risen significantly in recent months. He stressed that the army seeks to enable Haredi men to serve while maintaining their way of life, underscoring the strategic value of their involvement. The Haredi community, however, remains deeply divided. Some younger members are beginning to view military service as a viable path, especially given the heightened sense of national urgency following the October 7 attacks. Yet many traditionalists continue to resist, fearing that military exposure will lead to secularization or loss of religious commitment. This tension reflects a broader societal debate over the role of religion in public life and the balance between individual rights and collective security. As the conflict persists and the demand for recruits grows, the dynamics shaping Haredi enlistment are likely to evolve further. With continued efforts from both the government and the IDF to address the concerns of the community, the question remains whether this gradual shift will translate into sustained and widespread participation in the armed forces. For now, the increasing numbers of Haredi recruits signal a meaningful, albeit slow, transformation in the landscape of Israeli military service.