IDF Chief of Staff Calls Ultra-Orthodox Draft a 'Mitzvah' and Necessity

During a memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers of the Commando Brigade, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declared that military service is a "mitzvah" (commandment) and that the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men is an operational, moral, and existential necessity. Zamir emphasized that in wartime, the importance of significant military service is heightened, calling it the highest of commandments: defending the land, its citizens, and historical heritage. He stated that this is a right, a duty, and a burden carried with pride, and that the IDF must strengthen the value of service and expand its ranks with soldiers who are national heroes and Zionist role models.

Zamir has repeatedly made similar statements since taking office, but his remarks at the ceremony for the elite unit carried particular weight. He framed military service not just as a necessity but as a mission, and not just a duty but a privilege and burden borne with pride. He has previously told soldiers from ultra-Orthodox units that expanding the IDF's ranks, including by drafting the ultra-Orthodox community, is a crucial operational need and a moral obligation to those who have long borne the burden.

With the ongoing war, depleted reserves, and the extension of regular service alone being insufficient, Zamir's call for more personnel is urgent. The military's order to integrate ultra-Orthodox men has been signed, and these repeated calls underscore the need. Zamir made it clear that in wartime, this is not merely a question of equal burden-sharing but of national survival. He urged that for the fallen not to have died in vain and for today's soldiers not to break, more hands are needed on the trigger and more shoulders to bear the load, drawing from all segments of the nation.