Ultra-Orthodox Leader Refuses Army Draft Calls, Cites IDF's Own Needs

Arie Deri, the head of the Shas party, stated he will not call for young ultra-Orthodox men who are not studying Torah to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Speaking to the ultra-Orthodox radio station Kol Barama, Deri asserted that the army should resolve its personnel shortages independently, as reported by N12.

"The army, which knows how to strike Iran, knows how to deal with them. Let them figure it out themselves," Deri said. He also claimed the IDF does not actually want to draft ultra-Orthodox men, suggesting the military prefers a secular force and avoids individuals who follow their rabbis' instructions.

Deri criticized a proposal by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot regarding the draft law. Eisenkot's plan suggested that out of approximately 14,000 draft-eligible young Haredim, 3,000 to 3,500 could continue their yeshiva studies while the rest would be drafted. Deri questioned who would decide who studies and who serves, and emphasized his support for Torah study for all who wish to pursue it, demanding the status of yeshiva students be settled before discussing their military service.

He further argued that the IDF lacks "real programs for the ultra-Orthodox" and that attempts to draft them are an "illusion." Deri linked the current troop deficit to the army's changing needs post-war, stating the previous model of a "small, technological army" proved inadequate and that the IDF now requires more personnel for border security.

Deri's remarks drew sharp criticism from political opponents. Naftali Bennett, head of the "Achim" party, accused Deri of attacking soldiers and stated he should not remain in any Israeli government. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of "Yisrael Beiteinu," called Deri the "main encourager of draft dodgers" in Israel.

Despite the controversy, the number of ultra-Orthodox recruits is increasing. Security estimates indicated over 500 Haredim were slated for service in August, with about 300 in combat roles and the remainder in support units. This compares to 375 recruits in August of the previous year, 180 of whom were in combat. Over the past year, approximately 4,300 ultra-Orthodox individuals began service, up from 2,800 the year before. Before the war, the annual average was around 1,700 draftees. While this growth is significant, the IDF still falls short of its personnel needs, with the potential draft pool estimated at 14,000 young Haredim annually, the vast majority of whom still do not enlist.