Haredi enlistment to combat units jumps 30% as over 250 men join IDF in recent draft cycle

On Tuesday, 260 Haredi men enlisted in the IDF, a 30% increase compared to the 198 who joined on the first day of the equivalent recruitment cycle last year. This figure also surpasses the 211 Haredi recruits from the previous cycle's first day. Over 100 recruits joined the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, more than 30 enlisted in the Paratroopers Brigade, and 75 joined the newly established Hasmonean Brigade. Defense officials anticipate further increases in Hasmonean Brigade enlistment. These numbers emerge amid ongoing public and political discussions regarding the conscription of yeshiva students and efforts to expand Haredi participation in combat roles.