This week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are initiating the selection procedures for the expedited recruitment of ultra-Orthodox men for rear-line positions, with the goal of integrating them into the reserve system. In the previous week, approximately 1,500 applications were received from ultra-Orthodox individuals who aspire to don the uniform. Those deemed suitable among this pool will undergo a brief training period. Notably, the IDF has extended its eligibility criteria, accepting men aged 26 and older, beyond the standard "exemption age" for mandatory service. These are individuals who, as part of the government's arrangement with Ultra-Orthodox yeshivas, have been permanently exempted from military service.
The IDF underscores that this program aligns with the army's specific needs for essential roles. As a result, it targets men with prior civilian training who can seamlessly integrate into the reserve system. These positions encompass various roles, including medics, paramedics, truck drivers, social workers, and members of burial companies.
סרן מנחם טייב, מ"פ בתומר גבעתי החרדית, מספר על הרגעים הקשים בחילוץ משפחות תחת אש, מהאמיצים שראינו. הוא מתייחס גם לנושא גיוס חרדים, ועל התמיכה שהחיילים החרדים מקבלים מההורים. pic.twitter.com/3FiN8XfWvz
— יענקי פרבר | Yanki Farber (@yankihebrew) October 12, 2023
For men under the age of 26 who have received permanent exemptions after volunteering for national-civilian service, there's an option to enlist in a shortened service. This alternative, known as "Phase B," has been previously activated in six cycles, primarily for integration into the reserve system of the Home Front Command. The initiation of the next cycle is prompted by the emerging requirements.
Furthermore, the IDF Human Resources Division is exploring the acceptance of volunteers for auxiliary tasks, such as food packaging, emergency warehouse training, and assistance with funeral ceremonies. This track will also be streamlined and won't necessitate prior training.
Simultaneously, the ongoing conflict along Israel's borders with Gaza and Lebanon persists. IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagari shared that between Saturday and Sunday, the IDF conducted strikes on 100 targets in Zeyton and Jabalia. These targets included the military headquarters of the Islamic Jihad and facilities belonging to Hamas' security apparatus. According to Hagari, the most recent engagement with terrorists occurred yesterday afternoon in the surrounding areas of the Gaza Strip, and the last rocket fire from the Strip was on Saturday evening.
חרדים רבים מבקשים להצטרף למאמץ המלחמתי: מנהלת חרדים בצה״ל מוציאה לדרך מסלולי גיוס מיוחדים המיועדים לציבור החרדי. כל הכבוד!https://t.co/iOx0m0WROs pic.twitter.com/YO0HMv88YD
— ישראל כהן (@Israelcohen911) October 12, 2023
He further noted that hundreds of thousands of Gazans have relocated to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. In the northern sector, Hagari affirmed that heightened alert and vigilance prevail along the entire border. Overnight, two Grad missiles launched from Syria landed in open areas in the Golan Heights. In response, the IDF targeted the launching area. Additionally, two suspicious targets in Lebanon triggered alarms, though they appeared to be false alarms.
