IDF Sees Record Ultra-Orthodox Enlistment Amid Sanctions but Numbers Remain Low

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported a historic increase in ultra-Orthodox Jewish enlistment, reaching 4,298 recruits in the 2025 enlistment year, a 53% rise from 2,811 in 2024. This surge, revealed during a government follow-up meeting on the Supreme Court ruling mandating ultra-Orthodox conscription, is considered exceptional given the traditionally low enlistment rates in this community. The enlistment year runs from July to June, with the 2025 year concluding just a month ago.

Historically, ultra-Orthodox enlistment hovered around 1,700 to 1,800 annually until 2022, with gradual increases to 2,200 in 2023 and 2,800 in 2024. The 2025 figure nearly meets the original draft evasion law target of 4,800 recruits, despite political and religious opposition. Ultra-Orthodox rabbis have opposed conscription until a specific exemption law is passed, and political leaders have claimed no forced enlistment would occur. Yet, the IDF's success is attributed to sanctions, arrests of draft evaders, and expanded ultra-Orthodox military tracks.

Significantly, about 1,200 of the new recruits joined ultra-Orthodox-specific units, indicating a shift as these soldiers intend to maintain their religious lifestyle, challenging the longstanding stigma of military service as a social failure within their community. The government supports the slogan that ultra-Orthodox soldiers should remain within their community, emphasizing the IDF's role in accommodating religious needs without enforcing faith.

However, the 4,300 recruits represent only 6% of the 72,000 known or suspected draft evaders and less than a third of the 14,000 ultra-Orthodox men turning 18 annually. Only 22% of these recruits serve in combat roles, as many choose non-combat tracks. The IDF still requires an additional 12,000 soldiers yearly, with 60% in combat positions, highlighting the gap ahead. The enlistment increase has modestly reduced average reserve duty by about two months per year.

The report underscores that the main driver for enlistment growth is the enforcement of penalties and the threat of arrest for evaders, while the delay in passing the exemption law has restrained further progress. Optimism remains that a new government after upcoming elections could boost enlistment further. Additionally, ultra-Orthodox soldiers typically enter the workforce post-service, benefiting the economy. These developments, once deemed unlikely, have been accelerated paradoxically by the ongoing war and the ultra-Orthodox parties' role in sustaining the wartime government.