IDF chief tells Haredi troops expanding enlistment ‘an operational necessity’

As the government works to advance legislation giving ultra-Orthodox men renewed exemptions from military service, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir tells Haredi troops that expanding their enlistment is “an essential operational necessity to ensure our readiness for the challenges of the future.”

“The scope of the missions and challenges before us is broad and demanding. Accordingly, the IDF is required to expand its ranks,” Zamir tells soldiers of the Nevatim Airbase’s ground defense unit, which is composed of ultra-Orthodox men.

He says that legislation that will extend mandatory military service for men back to 36 months is “only one component” that will reduce “some of the burden on reserve servicemembers.”

“At the same time, the enlistment of the Haredi public is an operational necessity and a moral obligation for us commanders toward all those who serve, in order to distribute the burden equally among all segments of the population,” Zamir says.

“You are proof that it is possible to fully preserve a Haredi way of life while performing meaningful military service,” he tells the troops.

Zamir says the IDF is preparing to approve and issue a General Staff order formalizing arrangements facilitating service conditions for ultra-Orthodox troops, “which will enable the entire Haredi population to join service frameworks and designated units to maintain a Haredi way of life without harming the character of service of other IDF servicemembers.”

“I call on the Haredi public to choose, as you have, meaningful service and contribution to the security of the state,” he adds.