Charedi enlistment is up - but not anywhere near enough

Official data soon to be released by the IDF shows that while Charedi enlistment in the army has increased in absolute numbers, the army is nowhere near its ambitious target goal of 4,800 recruits a year, according to Israel Hayom.

According to data released by the IDF's Charedi administration, some 200 Charedim have enlisted in combat units in August: around 120 in the Netzach Yehudah Battalion, and around 40 meant for Charedi companies in the Paratrooper and Givati Brigades. In addition, some 100 Charedim will serve in combat support units.

Nevertheless, this means that just 300 or so have enlisted in the last month, which means that if the current rate is maintained in every draft month (there are three more), the IDF can only hope to gain about 1,200 soldiers total for the whole year - a far cry from the hoped-for number of 4,800 a year.