IDF faces manpower crunch: Low-profile soldiers eyed for combat as Haredi exemptions spark outrage

With the government pushing to maintain exemptions for ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men from military service, the IDF’s early-stage proposal has amplified tensions over an already strained force, where many have logged hundreds of days in the field over the past 18 months.

The idea, still in its infancy, has drawn sharp criticism from those next in line for call-ups. Reservists, some of whom have served relentlessly since October 2023, feel betrayed. “It’s unfair to keep leaning on the same people,” one soldier fumed. “Those who’ve never lifted a finger for this country—like the Haredim—should step up before they drag us back in.” Youngsters in pre-military programs echo this sentiment, voicing frustration at a system they see as lopsided. “We pour our time and energy into serving Israel,” a participant said. “Meanwhile, entire communities dodge their share. Call them up first.”

Medical authorities are equally alarmed, warning of dire consequences. Prof. Nachman Ash, ex-IDF chief medical officer, didn’t mince words: “Deploying soldiers with medical limitations into combat is a recipe for disaster. Sure, some might manage, but many risk permanent damage.” He stressed that while exceptions exist, mass-drafting low-profile troops—those previously sidelined due to health issues—could overwhelm an already stretched medical framework.

The backdrop is a broader crisis. With Haredi exemptions likely to persist despite public and judicial pressure, the IDF’s combat ranks remain thin. The plan’s critics argue it’s a desperate patch for a deeper problem—unequal burden-sharing—that won’t be fixed by risking the unfit. As anger simmers, the proposal tests Israel’s military and moral fabric, with no easy answers in sight.