Between November and December 2023, some 182 ultra-Orthodox Jews enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), compared with expected enrollment that was much higher.
The news portal Srugim reports this.
Thus, 114 people were enrolled in Netzach Yehuda, 34 in Givati, 23 in the landing forces and 11 in the fleet. These figures are almost identical to the ultra-Orthodox call data for 2022. It is known that after the start of Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip, publications appeared noting that difficult times are affecting the attitude of the ultra-Orthodox to military service and they are increasingly willing to stand up for Israel.
It is noted that during the conscription period it was planned that 232 recruits from among the ultra-Orthodox would be recruited to serve in the IDF, but hopes were not destined to be justified. Moreover, in the period from 2019 to 2021, annually only 10% of Haredim subject to conscription decided to serve in the army. Some 63,000 ultra-Orthodox men between the ages of 18 and 26 have the special status of torato umanuto, which means that Torah study is a professional obligation for them and they are not subject to conscription until they complete their studies.
Cursor previously wrote that many Israeli citizens voluntarily join the army, and even more people take part in civic initiatives. Even the ultra-Orthodox community is not left out as hundreds of young Haredim call on the IDF to mobilize them.
