The IDF reported a significant rise in chareidi military enlistment during the 2025 recruitment year, with 4,298 chareidim joining the armed forces - a 53% increase from the previous year. The figures were presented to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara during a follow-up meeting on Monday.
Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the IDF's Planning and Personnel Management Division, disclosed the enlistment data, comparing this year's total to 2,811 recruits in 2024. He noted that chareidi enlistment has trended upward over recent years, rising from approximately 1,700 to 1,800 annually between 2018 and 2022, to roughly 2,200 in 2023, and about 2,800 in 2024.
Among those who enlisted, 69% entered programs specifically designated for chareidim, marking an increase of roughly 1,200 recruits year-over-year. Of the remaining recruits, 22% were assigned to combat units, 58% entered technological, combat support, or other training positions, while approximately 20% have yet to receive permanent assignments.
The IDF stated the total brings enlistment close to the 4,800 chareidi recruits outlined in the coalition's proposed draft framework. The figure also exceeds Brig. Gen. Taib's projection to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in late June, when he estimated roughly 3,500 chareidim would enlist.
Military officials reported approximately 72,000 chareidim remain classified as draft evaders. The 4,298 recruits represent roughly 30% of the estimated average annual chareidi draft-age population of about 14,000 eighteen-year-olds.
The IDF said its personnel needs remain substantial, requiring approximately 12,000 additional soldiers yearly, with about 60% needed for combat roles.