Netanyahu to propose doubling haredi draft into IDF

PMO announces proposal to increase orthodox draftees; will recruit 2,400 in 2011, 4,800 by 2015; half will perform Nat'l Service.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
soldat haredi (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimksi)
soldat haredi
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimksi)
The Prime Minister's Office Friday announced that it will submit a proposal to increase the number of haredim drafted into the IDF on Sunday.
The proposal, was expected to follow the recommendation of Chief of General Staff Gabi Ashkenazi to double the number of haredim in the IDF within four years. According to the draft resolution, the IDF will recruit 2,400 haredim under the Tal Law in 2011. Half of the draftees would be recruited to the army and the second half to National Service.
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The number of haredi draftees would be increased by 600 each year until it reaches 4,800 in 2015.
The draft will also propose that the IDF prepare various combat units to absorb haredi soldiers. In order to meet this goal, the government would allocate NIS 130 million a year for a new recruitment framework. An additional NIS 70 million would be allocated to developing new frameworks for haredi participation in civilian service.
On Thursday, Ashkenazi said that ultra-Orthodox Jews should be drafted into the army.
Speaking in Holon, Ashkenazi told parents of newly drafted soldiers that "those who do not serve must be made to feel ashamed."
He said, "Haredim can also join [the military], and they must be made to do so."