Israeli draft

IDF draft moving forward amid Operation Roaring Lion, includes over 500 new immigrants

The batch of recruits for March-April 2026 is expected to consist of thousands of soldiers, including those drafting into combat roles.

Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Khalifa, head of the IDF’s Human Resources Department, addresses ultra-Orthodox recruits as they enlist in the military.
Young Israelis arrive to the Israeli army recruitment center at Tel Hashomer, outside of Tel Aviv on March 17, 2020.

IDF overhauls pre-draft medical screening checks during military conscription process with AI

Released Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen at the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt. Daniel Oz, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba.

Former hostage Nimrod Cohen announces return to IDF: 'Didn't do enough during my mandatory service'

Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot embrace at draft law protests in Jerusalem on January 15, 2026.

Lapid, Eisenkot, and Bennett back reservists at Jerusalem draft law protest


Giving credit where its due: The bravery to break party lines and stand alone - editorial

MK Dan Ilouz, a Likud backbencher, was willing to break party ranks when he called to end the haredi draft exemption.

 Religious IDF Israeli soldiers pray during a training of the Ultra Orthodox Unit at the Givati Brigade near the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, September 27, 2017.

This week in Jewish history: The start of the IDF draft and the Daf Yomi cycle

A highly abridged version of the daily Dust & Stars.

 CELEBRATING SIYUM HASHAS, the completion of the ‘Daf Yomi,’ a seven-and-a-half-year cycle of studying the Talmud, at Har Etzion Yeshiva.

Haredim break into Tel Hashomer base to protest IDF draft

Border Police and the Israel Police forcefully attempted to disperse the crowd on horseback. 

 Ultra orthodox Jews clash with police during a protest against the drafting of ultra orthodox jews to the Israeli army, outside the IDF Recruitment Center at Tel Hashomer, in central Israel, August 6, 2024.

IDF begins draft of summer cycle amid ongoing war

Thousands of new recruits are set to start military service soon, with special measures are in place to support those affected by the war.

IDF Recruitment.

Letters to the Editor June 19, 2024: Attacking us incessantly

Readers of The Jerusalem Post have their say.

 Letters

The haredi draft crisis that will not disappear: A look at Israel's 'Amendment No. 26'

The main haredi argument against enlisting their youth to military service is that the study of the Torah and prayers to God are more important to Israel’s security than the IDF.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu attends the debate and vote on legislation regarding haredi enlistment in the military, in the Knesset plenum, last week.

Gallant set to oppose Rule of Continuity for haredi draft law

The passing of the Rule of Continuity would allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the haredi conscription law that passed its first reading in 2022 during the Lapid-Bennett government.

 (L-R) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

High Court concludes debate on haredi IDF conscription in high-stakes hearing

A poll published by Army Radio on Sunday, conducted by Manu Geva's Midgam Institute, found that 81% of haredim supported the view that haredim should not join the IDF at all.

A court hearing on the government's drafting of yeshiva students for the IDF, at the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem on June 2, 2024

Israelis see election date, draft law as keys to calming social unrest - survey

A survey led by Gesher organization finds 54% of Israelis support setting an agreed election date to calm social unrest. 59% see consensus on draft law beneficial.

 Jerusalemites cast their ballots for the 2024 municipal elections, on February 27, 2024.

The Goldfus bombshell: Why did the IDF general take shots at Israeli politicians? - comment

IDF Chief Brig.-Gen. Dan Goldfus demands political unity, equal military service, and national cohesion amid war efforts, criticizing the political class.

 IDF 98th Division commander Dan Goldfus