360 ultra-Orthodox men were drafted to the military this week, IDF says

Some 360 ultra-Orthodox men were drafted to the Israel Defense Forces this week, the military says.

A total of 231 troops joined combat roles, including in the Hasmonean Brigade, the Netzah Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, the Hetz Company in the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, the Nevatim Airbase’s ground defense unit, and the Border Police.

Another 131 Haredi soldiers were drafted to combat support roles, including fighter jet technician units.

The military says more Haredi troops are expected to join the IDF over the coming two weeks, as part of this draft cohort.

Some 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged between 18 and 24 are currently believed to be eligible for military service, but have not enlisted. The IDF has said it urgently needs 12,000 recruits — mostly combat troops — due to the strain on standing and reserve forces caused by the multi-front war of recent years.

The IDF says it continues its efforts to draft more ultra-Orthodox soldiers, “out of operational necessity.”

The efforts include expanding existing units for Haredim, implementing new protocols that regulate the service conditions for Haredi troops, and providing opportunities for ultra-Orthodox soldiers to advance to command and officer roles.

The military says it aims to enable Haredi soldiers to have a “meaningful [military] service, while fully preserving [their] ultra-Orthodox way of life.”