The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is expected to miss its annual goal of recruiting 4,800 Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) soldiers in 2024, with projections now indicating only around 2,800 enlistments. The shortfall was confirmed by Brigadier General Shai Taib, head of the IDF's Manpower Directorate, during a Knesset committee session on Monday.
Taib attributed the gap to a range of challenges, including outdated data, difficulties in identifying who qualifies as Haredi, and limited enforcement tools. “Without a legal definition or updated data, we’re unable to accurately identify the Haredi population,” he said, noting that the current database is based on outdated information encompassing approximately 80,000 individuals.
Since the expiration of the previous government policy, Haredi youth are now subject to the same conscription procedures as others, receiving draft notices and expected to complete the full enlistment process. From July 2024 to February 2025, only about 1,700 Haredim were drafted. The IDF now anticipates closing the year with approximately 2,800 recruits—just over half the original target.
Despite noting a positive trend, Taib acknowledged that the current enforcement efforts remain insufficient. For example, since January, around 340 draft-age individuals were delayed at Ben Gurion Airport, but only 50 of them were deemed part of the potential Haredi recruitment pool. The IDF had anticipated a surge in outbound travel before Passover, but actual numbers were only marginally higher than usual.
Simultaneously, tensions surrounding Haredi conscription continue to escalate. On Monday, Jerusalem witnessed anti-draft demonstrations that blocked streets and disrupted the light rail. Police declared the protest illegal, and when demonstrators refused to disperse, mounted units were deployed to clear the area. Some protesters also vandalized memorial displays honoring fallen IDF soldiers, according to Walla.
The IDF is currently facing a manpower gap of 12,000 soldiers—7,000 in combat roles and 5,000 in combat support. Taib emphasized the growing demand on reservists, who have been serving an average of 70 days annually, with a goal to reduce that to 42 days.
On the other hand, female participation in combat roles has increased significantly, rising from about 500 female recruits 12 years ago to 5,000 today. In addition to the existing Caracal Battalion—a mixed-gender unit—another such battalion is set to launch in August. “Expanding the recruitment base is essential,” Taib concluded, “and it’s the only path to strengthening the IDF’s ranks.”
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