Jerusalem, 11 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Increasing Orthodox Jewish (Haredi) enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces could save the economy billions of shekels, the Bank of Israel said on Thursday. A month of reservist service costs about NIS 38,000 ($11,700), while conscripting young Haredim is far cheaper and may even encourage them to join the workforce. Expanding enlistment by 7,500 Haredim annually — adding around 20,000 over time — could cut the economic burden of reservists by NIS 9–14 billion ($2.8-$4.3 billion) a year.
The report warns that the Security Service Law being considered by the Knesset sets low recruitment targets and weak incentives, meaning it may not meet army needs or reduce costs.
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