IDF offers incentives for Haredi recruits
In the face of fierce and sometimes violent Haredi opposition, the IDF is continuing efforts to enlist Haredi soldiers by offering a variety of incentives meant to safeguard their way of life and assist them during and after their service.
Examples include 600 permits to leave the base while wearing civilian clothing and a 24-hour assistance hotline for those who feel in distress.
Furthermore, Haredi soldiers receive thousands of shekels per month from the IDF to assist their families while also receiving increases in paid study opportunities in order to provide them employment opportunities upon being discharged from the army.
Examples include study and work programs in the hi-tech sector, accounting, auto repair, construction and other fields.
"We will continue to act to increase the number of Haredi recruits because we have the need of more soldiers," said a senior IDF officer to Ynet on Monday.
"The Haredi contribution to the army is important and extensive. We see their integration as a national, strategic need. When they come to the army, they see that the demon isn't so terrible and there is infrastructure in place to preserve their way of life," said the source.
However, despite the IDF's best efforts, recruiting goals set by laws in the previous government have not yet come to fruition. In 2016, only 2,475 Haredi recruits were conscripted, falling short of the goal of 2,700.
2017 has a minimum target quota of 3,200, but will also likely not be met due to the cancellation of sanctions against Haredi yeshivas by the current government.
The IDF plans to continue efforts to recruit more Haredi soldiers in the coming year, despite the fierce opposition and incitement of some in the community.
In the last two year, dozens of incidents of Haredi soldiers being physically assaulted or threatened have been registered with the police.
