IDF desperate for combat soldiers (but Haredim couldn't care less)

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are drafting plans to recruit young Jews from diaspora communities, particularly in the United States and France, to address a critical manpower shortage that has left the military strained after nearly two years of intense combat in Gaza. Army Radio reported that the IDF aims to enlist up to 700 foreign recruits annually to close a gap of 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers, as units struggle with exhaustion, equipment shortages, and a faltering reserve system.

The IDF’s recruitment push comes as the military grapples with a severe personnel crisis, exacerbated by ongoing operations against Hamas in Gaza, where recent attacks, like today's thwarted tunnel assault in Khan Younis, highlight the relentless pressure on troops. The shortfall has forced commanders to stretch existing forces, with reservists reporting widespread exhaustion and psychological trauma. A July report by Maariv revealed that senior officers acknowledged a 7,500-soldier deficit, with battalion leaders citing crushing workloads and some planning early retirements, signaling deep cracks in the IDF’s ranks.

The crisis has been compounded by long-standing tensions over ultra-Orthodox (chareidi) conscription. Haredim, who make up roughly 13% of Israel’s population, largely refuse to serve, arguing that Torah study is their form of national service and that the military’s secular environment threatens their way of life. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for blanket chareidi exemptions has sparked fierce backlash from opposition lawmakers and coalition members alike, who call it discriminatory when other Israelis face unprecedented burdens, including extended reserve duties.

Facing these challenges, the IDF is now looking abroad, targeting Jewish communities in the U.S. and France, home to some of the largest diaspora populations. The plan, still in early stages, would mark a historic shift, as Israel has rarely relied on foreign recruits beyond lone soldiers and volunteers through programs like Mahal. The initiative aims to tap into young Jews with strong ties to Israel, offering streamlined enlistment processes and incentives, though details remain unclear.

Critics warn that recruiting foreigners could strain Israel’s image abroad, especially amid global scrutiny over Gaza, where over 61,000 deaths and a UN-reported famine have fueled accusations of excessive force. Supporters, however, argue it’s a pragmatic response to an existential crisis, with IsraelMatzav noting that diaspora Jews have historically rallied to Israel’s defense, citing volunteers in the 1948 War of Independence.

The manpower shortage is just one facet of the IDF’s woes. Commanders have reported equipment deficits, including shortages of advanced munitions, and a reserve system pushed to its limits by nearly continuous fighting since October 7, 2023. Reservists describe a “sense of collapse” across units, with psychological tolls mounting. The Maariv report highlighted commanders’ frustration at the lack of strategic advances, with forces often stuck in static positions, a vulnerability Hamas is happy to exploit.

The government’s failure to resolve the chareidi draft issue has further inflamed tensions. Netanyahu’s coalition, reliant on ultra-Orthodox parties, faces pressure to enforce conscription, but Haredi leaders remain defiant, warning that forced service could destabilize their communities and, by extension, Israel’s security.