JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Amid the ongoing public and political controversy surrounding the conscription law and the integration of charedi men into the military, new official IDF data reveals the scope of enlistment of young charedi men into the army over the past two months.

According to the official figures, 433 young Haredi men enlisted in the past two months alone into designated tracks specifically developed for the Haredi community, which allow them to maintain their religious lifestyle during military service. The recruits were assigned to a wide range of essential roles across various IDF units.

The most notable and significant figure in the report relates to combat service: out of all the recruits during this period, a record 272 charedi soldiers joined combat roles. This represents a substantial increase in the number of charedi enlistees choosing combat units, including designated battalions such as Netzach Yehuda, the “Arrow” unit in the Paratroopers, Chashmonaim brigade and sub-tracks within the Givati and Golani brigades.

The remaining recruits (161 in total) were placed in combat support roles, technological units, intelligence, and various administrative positions tailored for charedi service tracks. The IDF is closely monitoring these figures, especially given the growing need for combat manpower across multiple fronts.

The IDF emphasizes that “the military was and remains prepared for a significantly broader intake and for expanding its ranks in a substantial manner, in accordance with operational needs and while making all necessary adjustments.”

The head of the Personnel Planning and Management Division, Brigadier General Shai Tayeb, said in his summary of the recruitment process: “I express great appreciation to the new recruits. Their service in the IDF is a central pillar in force-building and in safeguarding the security of the State of Israel, and many of them are pioneers within their families and communities. The IDF needs to expand the ranks of recruits and service members from all sectors of Israeli society.”