**Defense Minister Gallant Approves 7,000 Draft Orders for Haredim to Join IDF**

In a significant move this week, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved issuing 7,000 additional draft orders aimed at encouraging haredi men to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This decision comes after a meeting with top military officials, including Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram, head of the Manpower Directorate Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, and Military Advocate General Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi.

During the meeting, IDF officials presented data on the initial recruitment drive, which sent out 3,000 draft orders earlier this year. Unfortunately, a small percentage of those recruited actually reported for service, leading to a reassessment of the numbers needed to achieve recruitment goals. Gallant’s approval of these additional orders is aimed at bolstering recruitment efforts to meet these objectives.

The IDF initially began its effort to draft military-age haredi men in mid-July, with a target of 3,000 recruits in 2024, supplemented by an already planned enlistment of 1,800. Despite protests and a low turnout of haredi men reporting for duty, the IDF is determined to meet its enlistment targets, hence the increase in draft orders.

Gallant has highlighted the pressing need for more soldiers, stating that current conflicts and challenges necessitate a "broad national mobilization from all parts of society." This need underscores the urgency behind recruiting more haredi soldiers.

Monday also saw the presentation of progress on the establishment of the haredi "Hashmonayim" Brigade to Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi. This brigade aims to provide an environment where haredi men can enlist for combat roles while preserving their way of life. Preliminary steps, such as recruiting command staff and setting up infrastructure, have been completed, with the first company expected to be operational by December.