Gallant says IDF needs ‘large-scale’ draft of ultra-Orthodox to ensure security

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the IDF needs a “large-scale” draft of ultra-Orthodox youths to help meet urgent manpower needs.

Speaking during a visit to the elite Egoz commando unit, Gallant says in the near term there is a need for “more soldiers across the IDF.”

Gallant says measures will include extending mandatory service for men to three years as it was in the past and “we will have to draft other populations, primarily the ultra-Orthodox on a large scale.”

Gallant says he hopes in the future to see ultra-Orthodox youth not just serving, but also being a part of elite commando units like Egoz.

“We need to equally share the burden of service,” Gallant says, adding that it is not just in the name of social solidarity, but “most importantly, because we need security.”

“We know how to manufacture ammunition, to import arms, to buy resources and to do everything, but soldiers are from the people of Israel, there is no one else.”