Number of "Israeli" Recruits to Hit 20-year Low in 2013

Local Editor

Yedioth Ahronoth Hebrew daily reported Friday that the "Israeli" army will enlist in 2013 the lowest number of new draftees in 20 years.
The number of new recruits has been on the decline since 2005 due to a gradual decline in the birth rate and in the number of new olim, as well as an increase in exemption from army service.

About 26% of those eligible for army service in 2013 will not be drafted, according to the report. Some 13.5% will be exempted for religious reasons, 4% for mental reasons, 2% for health reasons, 3% due to criminal records and 3% reside abroad.

According to the "Israeli" army Manpower Directorate, the numbers are expected to rise unless proper legislation is enacted and haredi draft is approved by the government.
Following the Tal Law's expiration, the "Israeli" army will draft for the first time thousands of haredim in accordance with the mandatory army service law, pending government approval.

The number of haredi draftees is set to rise, potentially reaching 8000 a year, though some will not be enlisted due to medical exemptions or residence abroad.

In 2012 some 1400 haredim enlisted in the "Israeli" army, but only for voluntary non-committal service.

To combat low draft numbers, the military institution intends to increase the numbers of women draftees, and to designate many of them for technological roles.

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