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IDF Drafts 4,000 Ultra-Orthodox, Seeks 12,000 New Recruits

7/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces drafted more than 4,000 ultra-Orthodox men in the past year, up from about 1,800 before the October 7, 2023 war.
The IDF recorded 2,200 recruits July 2023-July 2024 and 2,800 by July 2025, a surge military sources attribute to stricter enforcement and sanctions on men not studying Torah.
The IDF says it urgently needs 12,000 new recruits, though about 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 remain eligible but unenlisted.

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Story summary

The Israel Defense Forces drafted more than 4,000 ultra-Orthodox men in the past year, up from about 1,800 before the October 7, 2023 war.
The IDF recorded 2,200 recruits July 2023-July 2024 and 2,800 by July 2025, a surge military sources attribute to stricter enforcement and sanctions on men not studying Torah.
The IDF says it urgently needs 12,000 new recruits, though about 80,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 18-24 remain eligible but unenlisted.