Israeli Government Plans Expansion of Haredi Hesder Yeshivas to Boost Military Enlistment

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is formulating a plan to expand the Haredi Hesder yeshivas, institutions combining religious study with military service. This initiative is expected to be approved alongside a bill to freeze arrests of draft-dodging Haredi men.

Last weekend, Netanyahu's office requested an immediate meeting with Hesder yeshiva leaders to discuss their proposal to halt arrests and encourage Haredi enlistment through these yeshivas. However, senior figures from the yeshiva association declined to meet until they saw tangible progress on their plan. Discussions have continued, with promises of a government decision that would provide official support and funding to these yeshivas.

In recent years, the number of Hesder yeshivas has doubled, but most are either unfunded or underfunded by the state, relying heavily on donations. Advocates argue that significant government funding could triple the number of Haredi soldiers currently enlisting. The proposed framework includes state mechanisms to channel funds and promote enrollment through Haredi media, alongside tripling the number of Hesder yeshivas.

Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would be required to open more Haredi military tracks modeled after the existing "Hashmonaim Brigade," including options for combat-support roles and closed-base service for those without combat profiles. This would complement existing non-IDF base programs like "Kedem." The government is also considering appointing a project manager to oversee the expansion of the Hesder yeshiva initiative.

The Hesder yeshivas were not addressed in recent draft law discussions due to opposition from within the Haredi community and allied political factions. Meanwhile, recognizing that arrests of yeshiva students are ineffective and counterproductive, the government plans to temporarily halt these detentions while investing in recruitment support for willing Haredi conscripts.