Haredi Draft Numbers Rise Significantly in Latest IDF Recruitment Cycle

The latest IDF recruitment cycle saw a notable increase in the enlistment of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) men, with 286 joining as combat soldiers in the August 2026 cycle, compared to 230 in the same cycle last year. This rise continues a positive trend in Haredi enlistment into the Israel Defense Forces.

Overall, Haredi enlistment has seen substantial growth over the past three years. In 2023, 2,300 Haredi men enlisted, followed by 2,800 in 2024, and a significant jump to 4,300 in 2025, marking an increase of over 40% in three years.

In parallel with these recruitment figures, the IDF is establishing a factory for explosive drone production, staffed by Haredi soldiers. In the current recruitment cycle, 41 Haredi soldiers have been assigned as drone technicians at this facility.

These statistics emerge amidst the ongoing national debate and legal challenges surrounding Haredi conscription. Just weeks ago, the High Court of Justice unanimously overturned a law freezing the arrest of draft dodgers. The court, in an expanded and largely conservative panel, ruled that the law lacked proper legislative procedure, specifically failing to pass a first reading, deeming it a fundamental flaw requiring cancellation. Eight justices further declared the amendment unconstitutional, arguing it severely infringes upon the fundamental right to equality.

The article also briefly touches upon related issues, including how draft dodgers manage to travel abroad, citing passport forgery and impersonation as methods to bypass airport security, and mentions a controversy surrounding a statement by Aryeh Deri regarding Haredi enlistment, where he reportedly said, "Let the army deal with it."