The Chief of the General Staff to Ultra-Orthodox Troops

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, spoke today (Wednesday) with ultra-Orthodox troops serving in the ״Negev״ Company at Nevatim Base. The company is comprised of ultra-Orthodox troops who combine meaningful military service while maintaining full observance of an ultra-Orthodox way of life, and are part of a broader effort to expand the ranks of the IDF.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:

“The scope of the missions and challenges before us is broad and demanding - accordingly, the IDF is required to expand its ranks. Expanding the ranks of the IDF, including the recruitment of the ultra-Orthodox community, is an essential operational necessity in order to ensure our readiness for the challenges of the future.

Extending mandatory service to 36 months is only one component, which requires legislation, intended to ease part of the burden on reserve troops and to adapt the force structure of the IDF to the many missions of the IDF. At the same time, the recruitment of the ultra-Orthodox community is an operational necessity and a moral obligation of us, the commanders, toward all those who serve, in order to distribute the burden more equally among all sectors of Israeli society.

You, the troops here, are proof that it is possible to fully maintain an ultra-Orthodox way of life alongside  meaningful military service.

In the coming period, we will approve and issue the General Staff order for the integration of the ultra-Orthodox population into the IDF. This order will enable the broader ultra-Orthodox population to join IDF service frameworks and designated units that facilitate an ultra-Orthodox way of life without compromising the service of other IDF personnel.

I call on the ultra-Orthodox public to choose, as you have, meaningful service and contribution to the security of Israel. Continue to operate, to contribute, and to serve as an example - I trust you and am proud to see you here”.

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