IDF falls short of ultra-Orthodox recruitment targets, lowers goals to minimum

Israel Defense Forces failed to reach the original goals it set for recruiting ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) soldiers, and has reduced the recruitment targets to almost the bare minimum, radio station Kan Reshet Bet reported Monday.

According to army data, during the first trimester (starting in July), 3,000 draft notices were sent, and 627 recruits showed up (about 20%).

• 18 draft-eligible individuals are under arrest orders.

• 1,394 "Order 12" notices (indicating non-cooperation and exit restrictions from Israel) were issued.

• 962 individuals evaded enlistment.

In the second trimester, 7,014 draft notices were sent, but only 367 recruits showed up (about 5%).

• 2,473 arrest orders were issued.

• 446 "Order 12" notices were issued.

Data for the third trimester:

• On March 13, 5,000 draft notices were sent.

• On April 6, another 4,000 draft notices were issued.

• In May, 5,000 additional draft notices are expected to be sent.

The data shows that out of 10,000 notices sent (first + second trimester), only 994 recruits showed up.

• 2,491 individuals are now under arrest orders.

• 184 "Order 12" notices were issued (starting sanctions and travel restrictions).

This morning, the IDF addressed the recruitment figures and stated that the numbers are significantly lower than desired, relative to planning and operational needs. It was described as a "disappointment in light of the small number of ultra-Orthodox recruits."

The recruitment targets are set according to the operational needs of the IDF.

For example, the Hasmonean Brigade, established last year but not yet staffed, initially aimed to recruit 280 soldiers. After realizing there weren't enough recruits, the target was reduced to 140.

Ahead of today's recruitment, the target was again cut to 80, with the expectation that only about 40–50 soldiers will actually enlist. The Hasmonean Brigade was established to train ultra-Orthodox soldiers for combat while maintaining their religious identity.

A security source stated: "The brigade exists, but in practice, they haven't even filled a single company. There are only about 40 soldiers recruited so far. There isn’t enough manpower. They lowered the recruitment targets for the brigade to match the reality on the ground."

The same situation applies to other units:

• In the "Netzah Yehuda" battalion (Nahal Haredi), the target was reduced from 140 recruits to 120.

• In the Paratroopers Brigade, from 30 to 20.

• In the Givati Brigade, from 25 to 20.

• In the "Magen Negev" program, from 20 to 15.

A security source said: "This was the minimal operational need defined, and after making phone calls, we realized only a small group would come. What does the army do? It adjusts the targets."

It was also revealed that the IDF halted recruitment into the Border Police (MAGAV) for this cycle, despite having established an ultra-Orthodox company there. Candidates slated for MAGAV were told they would be reassigned elsewhere due to IDF manpower needs.

"The army sets targets and a week before the draft adjusts them after finding it cannot recruit enough Haredi soldiers," the source said.

A military source stated that Haredi enlistment is disappointing:
The IDF is currently short 7,500 regular combat soldiers and an additional 12,000 combat support personnel.

During the war, new armored battalions and an engineering battalion were established, and in August, a new mixed-gender battalion will be set up in the Home Front Command.

A religious female combat unit was created in the Field Intelligence Corps, and there are plans to establish three more such units in the Home Front Command and Ground Forces Command. Additionally, meeting the army’s needs would require extending mandatory military service to three years.

Military officials commented: "Recruitment targets are adjusted every draft cycle as the recruitment date approaches, based on arrival forecasts and operational priorities, due to the unique nature of Haredi recruitment. The IDF is preparing for broader intake, and despite an expected increase in recruits this year, numbers remain far lower than desired compared to planning and needs."