Haredi Male Employment in Israel Reaches Multi-Decade High of 57%
The employment rate among Haredi men in Israel reached a multi-decade high of 57% in the third quarter. The rise coincides with a sharp increase in IDF enlistment despite rabbinical bans.
The employment rate among Haredi men in Israel reached 57% in the third quarter of the year, marking a multi-decade high, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics. This represents a three-percentage-point increase since the beginning of the year, following an employment rate of 54% in the first quarter and 56.2% in the second quarter. The figures surpass the previous record of 56.7% recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
Long-Term Trends and Methodology
Historically, the employment rate of Haredi men surged from 37% in 2003 to 52% in 2016, but subsequently stagnated for nearly a decade. Analysts note that this stagnation was largely driven by subsidies and budgetary allocations directed by previous coalition governments to kollel students, encouraging them to remain in Torah institutions. The fact that Haredi male employment has risen for two consecutive quarters strengthens the assessment that this is a sustained trend rather than a statistical fluctuation.
However, statisticians note that beginning in 2025, the data is based on the 2022 census estimates and a revised definition of the survey population. This methodological adjustment elevated the recorded employment rate of Haredi men by approximately 1 to 1.6 percentage points, warranting caution when comparing with historical figures.
Impact of Conscription Pressure
The upward trajectory in labor force participation comes amid mounting economic pressures and policy changes regarding military service. Observers suggest that financial distress and enforcement measures are increasingly driving young ultra-Orthodox individuals into the job market.
In August, Brig. Gen. Shay Tayeb, head of the IDF Personnel Planning and Administration Directorate, reported a 53% increase in Haredi enlistment, rising from 2,811 recruits in the 2024 draft year to 4,298 in the 2025 draft year. This surge occurred despite bans issued by most Haredi rabbis against military service prior to the passage of draft exemption legislation. The number of recruits in 2025 closely approaches the original annual target of 4,800 set by the proposed legislation.
