The IDF drafted approximately 360 Chareidi men this week, the military announced, marking progress in its efforts to integrate Chareidim into compulsory military service despite staunch opposition from rabbanim and roshei yeshiva.

Of the recruits, 231 joined combat roles including the Chashmonaim Brigade, the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, and the Paratroopers Brigade. Another 131 were assigned to combat support positions, including fighter jet technician units. The IDF expects more Chareidi conscripts to arrive over the coming two weeks as part of the same draft cohort.

The push comes as the IDF says it faces acute manpower shortages. Some 80,000 Chareidi men aged 18-24 remain eligible for service but have not enlisted. The IDF says it urgently needs 12,000 recruits — primarily combat troops — to sustain operations across multiple fronts.

“We are drafting more Chareidi soldiers out of operational necessity,” the military insisted.

The IDF has expanded infrastructure to accommodate Chareidi service members, implementing new protocols that allow them to maintain religious observance while serving. However, Chareidi leaders say the new frameworks for Chareidi soldiers are woefully inadequate. ‘

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)