285 ultra-Orthodox recruits enlist in IDF amid ongoing tensions over draft law

Following months of tensions over legislation governing ultra-Orthodox military conscription, 285 Haredi recruits have enlisted in the Israeli military.

The new recruits have been assigned to combat support roles, with additional enlistment dates scheduled over the next two months as part of the November-December draft cycle. These will also include opportunities to serve in combat units.

“The units and induction bases have prepared to receive the new recruits and provide the necessary framework to accommodate their way of life,” the army says.

The IDF has introduced programs tailored to Haredi soldiers, but opposition to military service remains widespread within the community, whose leaders are pushing for legislation to preserve the longstanding exemptions from conscription.