More Than 50,000 Ultra-Orthodox Jews Set to Receive IDF Draft Notices

In a landmark move, the IDF is preparing to send 54,000 draft orders to eligible ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men starting this July, as part of a broader effort to expand military service participation across Israeli society. The announcement was made by Brig. Gen. Shai Tayeb, head of personnel planning for the IDF, during a meeting of the Knesset Subcommittee on IDF Human Resources.

This new wave of draft notices will be sent in addition to the 24,000 initial draft orders that have already been issued to haredi men since July 2024. The reporting dates for those summoned will be spread over a full year, from July 2025 through June 2026. The move marks the IDF’s most significant step yet to enforce equal service obligations across all sectors of Israeli society.

While the Knesset is still debating a new bill that would require approximately 50% of eligible haredi men to enlist, the current legal framework following a June 2024 High Court ruling mandates full enlistment obligations for haredim, just like any other Israeli citizen.

The IDF had initially committed to drafting 4,800 haredi men during the 2025-2026 recruitment year but has already admitted that it is unlikely to meet even half that target due to low compliance rates. In response, the military is introducing a series of robust enforcement mechanisms aimed at improving these numbers.

“The main significance of this change is that we are shifting the responsibility for reporting to the individual,” Tayeb explained. Previously, the army conducted "awareness checks" to ensure recipients were aware of their draft orders. That process will now be streamlined, reducing enforcement timelines to approximately four months.

Tayeb also announced that the IDF would increase its enforcement activities, which will include not only traditional summons but also expanded operations through mobile arrest units and coordinated efforts with both the military police and Israel Police. These units will be authorized to locate individuals who attempt to evade service, whether at border crossings like Ben Gurion Airport or within the general population.

Despite the scale of this effort, Tayeb acknowledged that full enforcement will take time. “While it will be effective, it won’t reach everyone in a short time frame,” he said, citing logistical constraints such as the limited capacity of detention facilities.

The meeting was chaired by Yesh Atid MK Elazar Stern, who praised the military’s new approach. “We see that the army intends to do everything possible to expand its ranks. It won’t happen overnight, but it gives hope to those serving that in a year or two, the State of Israel will start to see many more people bearing the burden.”

This development represents not only a significant shift in IDF manpower policy but also a profound statement about national unity and shared responsibility. As Israel continues to face existential threats on multiple fronts, the demand for equitable contribution to national defense grows stronger. The move underscores Israel’s commitment to ensuring that all sectors contribute to safeguarding the nation.

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