The IDF says chareidi enlistment rose sharply during the 2025 recruitment year, with new figures presented to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara showing that 4,298 chareidim joined the military—a 53% increase over the previous year.

The updated statistics were presented Monday during a follow-up meeting convened by the attorney general, where military officials outlined the latest enlistment data and trends regarding the chareidi community.

Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the IDF’s Planning and Personnel Management Division, reported that 4,298 chareidim enlisted during the 2025 recruitment year, compared with 2,811 during the 2024 recruitment year—an increase of 53%.

According to the IDF, the figures continue a steady upward trend. Annual chareidi enlistment totaled approximately 1,700 to 1,800 recruits between 2018 and 2022, climbed to roughly 2,200 in 2023, and increased again to about 2,800 in 2024 before reaching this year’s total.

The military said that 69% of those who enlisted entered programs designated specifically for chareidim, representing an increase of approximately 1,200 recruits over the previous year. The breakdown further showed that 22% were assigned to combat units, 58% entered technological positions, combat support roles, and other military training programs, while roughly 20% have not yet received permanent assignments.

The IDF noted that this year’s total brings the military close to the target of 4,800 chareidi recruits that had been included in the coalition’s proposed draft framework. The new figure also exceeds Brig. Gen. Taib’s estimate given to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in late June, when he projected that only about 3,500 chareidim would enlist.

Despite the increase in enlistment, military officials reported that approximately 72,000 chareidim are currently classified as draft evaders. According to the data presented, the 4,298 recruits represent roughly 30% of the average annual chareidi draft-age population, estimated at about 14,000 18-year-old young men.

The IDF also reiterated that its manpower needs remain significant, estimating that it requires an additional 12,000 soldiers each year, with approximately 60% of those positions needed in combat units.