Former Head of Hachshmonaim Recruitment Warns Arrests of Yeshiva Students Harm Haredi IDF Enlistment

Elhanan Wasserman, retired sergeant major and former head of recruitment in the Hachshmonaim Haredi IDF division, cautioned in an interview with Yishai Cohen on Kikar HaShabbat that the arrests of yeshiva students who avoid military service are counterproductive. He described these arrests as "running a 100-meter race backwards," arguing they do not increase Haredi enlistment rates but instead discourage young Haredim from joining the Israel Defense Forces. Wasserman highlighted that these detentions cause deep internal divisions and reduce motivation among current Haredi soldiers, even leading many potential recruits to avoid draft offices altogether.

Wasserman expressed pride in the growth and success of the Hachshmonaim division but issued a stark warning to policymakers and law enforcement about the negative impact of these arrests. He criticized opposition politicians for using the issue as a political tool rather than genuinely seeking to increase Haredi enlistment, stating, "Many want to be right rather than wise, and this has become a political weapon for attacks."

Regarding the ongoing debate over the draft law, Wasserman proposed removing quotas for Torah scholars and instead supporting the development of Haredi pre-military preparatory programs and Hesder yeshivas with strict oversight. He emphasized that the IDF now not only wants but needs Haredi soldiers, especially following recent conflicts, and is making significant efforts to accommodate them. Wasserman also clarified that the Hachshmonaim division primarily recruits young Haredim who feel connected to their community but do not fit the traditional yeshiva study model.

He concluded by stressing the importance of unity within the Haredi community and warned that arrests create a rift between serving soldiers and yeshiva students, undermining the overall goal of increasing Haredi participation in the military.