IDF Considers Recruiting 700 Diaspora Jews Annually Amid 10,000-Soldier Shortfall

Jerusalem – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is reportedly exploring a campaign to recruit Jewish individuals from the United States and France to address a persistent soldier shortage. The military currently faces a deficit estimated between 10,000 and 12,000 soldiers, prompting a search for new avenues to bolster its ranks. This initiative would specifically target young Jews aged 18 to 25.According to Israeli Army Radio, the IDF aims to recruit approximately 600 to 700 additional soldiers annually from these diaspora communities. This move comes as the military grapples with significant manpower challenges, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and internal issues. The recruitment potential in these communities is estimated to exceed 10,000 candidates per year.The soldier shortfall is primarily driven by two factors: a high rate of draft-dodging among ultra-Orthodox Israelis and lower retention rates among current soldiers. Many reservists have also reported psychological issues and exhaustion dueence to prolonged service. The IDF has previously attempted measures such as recalling previously exempted reservists and offering amnesty to draft dodgers.The proposed recruitment effort abroad is still in its initial stages of formulation, but senior officials emphasize the need for "creative thinking" to address the critical shortage. As stated in a tweet by Collin Rugg, "The IDF currently has a 10,000 soldier shortfall and is coming up with ways to close the gap." The tweet further quoted ZeroHedge, noting, "There are two principal drivers: draft-dodging by ultra-Orthodox Israelis, and lower retention of current soldiers."The plan also involves organizations like Nefesh b'Nefesh, which supports "lone soldiers" – individuals who immigrate to Israel to serve in the IDF without immediate family in the country. Noya Govrin, Director of the Lone Soldiers Program at Nefesh b’Nefesh, noted, "The majority of American lone soldiers are coming after high school, either directly after high school or after a gap year program." This highlights a pre-existing pathway for diaspora Jews to serve.