"Spiritual Mentors" and a Track for Married Men: The Revolution of Integrating Ultra-Orthodox into the IDF
After years of barriers, the IDF has carried out a revolution for the Ultra-Orthodox recruit. Dedicated and diverse tracks have been opened and adapted so that recruits do not have to compromise on their identity. The goal is to enlist thousands of young people from this sector every year.
In recent years, the IDF has carried out a series of structural, conceptual, and organizational changes designed to ensure that every young Ultra-Orthodox man seeking to enlist finds a framework precisely adapted to his level of religious study, lifestyle, age, and professional aspirations.
Instead of a fragmented approach, a comprehensive service hierarchy has been built in the IDF — from combat on the front lines, through Torah-study 'Hesder' tracks and elite technological units, to staff arrays, combat support, the rabbinate, and logistics.
Rising Recruitment Figures
Factual data from recent years indicate a sharp upward trend in the volume of recruitment in dedicated Ultra-Orthodox tracks. The number of recruits has grown from 2,800 to 4,300 (an increase of 54%). About 20% of all Ultra-Orthodox recruits are currently integrated into combat roles on the front.
It is important to emphasize that there is a gap between legal data and reality. The existing legal definition relies on educational institutions where the candidate studied in Israel, and therefore does not count immigrants or young people from an Ultra-Orthodox background who do not meet technical Ministry of Education definitions. To address this, the IDF has created a policy of supervision to provide cultural support and preparation for the job market.
Institutionalized Mechanism
The central change is the transition from informal handling to an institutionalized mechanism. Today, all responsibilities are managed by a dedicated Ultra-Orthodox recruitment section within Meitav, capable of sorting up to 3,000 candidates per year. Every candidate undergoes an "affinity interview," committing to an Ultra-Orthodox lifestyle.
The policy is now rigorous: candidates with a combat profile are routed to combat or combat-support units. The acceptance age for technological programs has been raised from 21 to 23 (except for married men) to balance IDF needs with the integration of older populations.
Diverse Tracks
The military offers a rich variety of tracks, including the Hashmonaim Brigade, the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, the Hetz company (Paratroopers), and the Avnet company (Border Police). Targeted combat-support companies, such as the David company at the Julis base, also provide professional training.
For academic development, the "Pardes" program (AI, data science) leads to research roles in Aman, alongside an academic reserve for technological command training.
Gender Segregation and Spiritual Support
Mandatory orders have been implemented in all Ultra-Orthodox units:
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Complete gender segregation with male command only
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Strict kashrut supervised by rabbis
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Dedicated time for Torah study within the military schedule
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Accompaniment by "spiritual mentors" to bridge halachic questions with the chain of command
These facts prove that the IDF operates a professional absorption mechanism, prepared to integrate every young Ultra-Orthodox man while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to his identity.
