This story originally appeared in the JC Israel Briefing. You can sign up to receive the briefing daily here.
A growing number of strictly Orthodox men have been recruited to serve in the Israeli military, according to new figures released by the IDF.
Overall, 433 people signed up for a wide range of roles in April-May, including a high of 272 due to serve in combat positions. That figure represents a 24 per cent increase on the same period last year, according to the Israeli military.
The uptick comes as the IDF faces a manpower shortage amid the continuing tensions with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon.
The reported rise is still small when compared with the estimated tens of thousands of eligible recruits who have not signed up. The issue of religious conscription is highly charged, with a controversial planned change in the law causing huge ructions in Israeli society.
Brigadier General Shay Tayeb, head of the IDF’s personnel support division, welcomed the new recruits, saying: “Many of them are pioneers within their families and communities.”
He said there was “a growing ability” to integrate religious forces “while fully preserving their way of life through a wide variety of dedicated service tracks”.
The situation still demands many more recruits, said Tayeb, who added: “Given the scope of its missions, the IDF must continue expanding the number of recruits and service members from all sectors of Israeli society.”
This story originally appeared in the JC Israel Briefing. You can sign up to receive the briefing daily here.
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