IDF Data Revealed: Recruitment Trends in Haredi Society and Number of Draft Dodgers
About 50,000 out of 60,217 draft dodgers are Haredim. The number of candidates for security service declared as draft dodgers or issued 'Order 12' has increased by about 95,000 since the end of 2024. At the same time, the IDF is expanding service tracks and adaptations for the Haredi public, whose recruitment rate has risen.
About 83% of draft dodgers in Israel are members of the Haredi public, according to the latest IDF data transferred to the Attorney General.
According to information obtained by 'Israel Hayom', 60,217 candidates for security service have been declared draft dodgers, with about 50,000 belonging to the Haredi sector. Of these, about 40,000 are included in the group covered by the interim order issued on February 26, 2024, in HCJ 6198/23, while an additional 10,000 are Haredim, per army assessments.
Furthermore, there are about 41,000 candidates for whom orders were issued under Section 12 (following an arrest warrant), of which approximately 31,600 are estimated to be Haredi. About 22,000 of these are included in the February 26, 2024, interim order group, with an additional 9,300 estimated to be Haredi.
In total, there are about 101,000 candidates for security service who have been issued an 'Order 12' or declared draft dodgers. This represents an increase of about 95,000 candidates compared to the end of 2024. Consequently, the IDF can now apply personal enforcement measures against a larger group of recruitment-age individuals.
However, there is an increase in Haredi recruits compared to the pre-war period: while about 1,700 Haredim were recruited annually before October 7, the number reached 2,800 in 2024 and approximately 4,300 in 2025.
The IDF is taking significant steps to support Haredi recruitment, including adapting cognitive ability tests and personal interviews, enabling group screening, establishing a dedicated website, and holding gender-specific recruitment days.
The IDF has worked to regulate conditions for maintaining a Haredi lifestyle during service. This includes upgrading screening and placement processes, establishing an adaptation committee for the Haredi track, and signing General Staff orders. Commanders undergo training, including simulations and lectures by the Chief of Staff's advisor on Haredi affairs. A Haredi branch has been established within the Manpower Directorate.
In the field of kashrut, a 'Mehadrin' section was created, and about 70 inspections are conducted annually to ensure compliance. Opportunities for professional development have been expanded: dedicated squad commander and medic courses have been opened, basic training has been adapted, and 16 cadets are currently participating in an officer course tailored for Haredi soldiers.
The IDF is also expanding service options in combat and combat-support roles, opening dozens of new placement destinations. Unique educational programs have been developed to ensure Haredi soldiers leave service with tools for life, including core subject studies and professional training.
