IDF: 53% increase in ultra-Orthodox recruitment, 4,300 recruited in 2025
The IDF has recorded a 53% increase in ultra-Orthodox recruitment, rising from 2,811 in 2024 to 4,298 in 2025. This data was presented by the head of the Manpower Planning and Administration Division, Shai Tayeb.
A 53% increase has been recorded in the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox into the IDF, from 2,811 in the 2024 recruitment year to 4,298 in the 2025 recruitment year. A recruitment year begins in July and ends in June, so the 2025 recruitment year concluded just a month ago.
This is according to data provided by the head of the Manpower Planning and Administration Division (AKA), Brigadier General Shai Tayeb, during a follow-up discussion held today with Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara regarding the enforcement of ultra-Orthodox recruitment.
For several years, until 2022, recruitment stood at 1,700 to 1,800 per year. In 2023, the number rose to 2,200, and in 2024, 2,800 ultra-Orthodox were recruited. This represents an increase of almost 2.5 times compared to 2022. The number recruited in 2025 is very close to the recruitment target planned in the original 'evasion law' that the coalition attempted to pass, which stood at 4,800 for the first year.
At a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on June 30, Tayeb estimated that the increase would be about 25% to approximately 3,500; therefore, this dramatic increase is a surprise. The breakdown of recruits is as follows:
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69% were recruited into ultra-Orthodox tracks (an increase of 1,200 recruits).
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22% were assigned to combat roles.
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58% were assigned to technological roles, combat support, and various training tracks.
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About 20% have not yet been assigned.
The number of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders stands at about 72,000, indicating significant room for improvement. The 4,300 recruits are equivalent to about 30% of one ultra-Orthodox 18-year-old cohort (about 14,000 people). The army's minimum needs are for an additional 12,000 soldiers per year, of whom about 60% are combat troops. These data explain the sharp opposition of IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir to the law exempting yeshiva students from arrests. Sanctions and arrests are proving highly effective, and the IDF also attributes this success to significant investments in programs for the ultra-Orthodox.
