IDF Reports 53% Rise in Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment for 2025 Draft Year

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported a significant increase in the number of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) recruits for the 2025 draft year, with 4,298 enlistees, marking a 53% rise compared to 2,811 in 2024. These figures were presented during a follow-up meeting with the State Attorney Gali Baharav-Miara. The number approaches the original recruitment target of 4,800 set by the draft law proposal.

Brigadier General Shay Tayeb, head of the IDF's Planning and Human Resources Administration, highlighted the upward trend in Haredi enlistment, noting that between 2018 and 2022, annual numbers hovered around 1,700 to 1,800, rising to approximately 2,200 in 2023 and 2,800 in 2024. Of the 2025 recruits, 69% were assigned to Haredi-specific tracks, an increase of about 1,200 from the previous year. Additionally, 22% were placed in combat roles, 58% in technological, combat-support, and training positions, while around 20% were yet to be assigned.

The IDF emphasized that the 2025 enlistment figures nearly meet the coalition's draft law framework goals, surpassing earlier estimates of 3,500 recruits. Despite the rise, the number of Haredi draft evaders remains high at approximately 72,000. The 4,298 recruits represent about 30% of the average annual Haredi draft cohort of 14,000 eighteen-year-olds. The IDF estimates a minimum annual manpower need of 12,000 soldiers, with 60% required for combat roles.