New data on the Hesder yeshiva program shows a 99% enlistment rate (vs. 68.9% in the general public), 85% combat service, and about 90% reserve compliance up to exemption age. The number of new entrants rose 13% in the past year to 2,808, across approximately 75 active yeshivas with some 12,000 total students.
Data published on Tuesday morning details the performance metrics of the Hesder yeshiva program — a combined military service and Torah-study track — which has long been a subject of public debate over equality of military burden. According to the figures, 99% of Hesder students enlist, compared to 68.9% in the general Jewish male population. Among those, 85% serve in combat roles (99% of those with suitable medical profiles), versus 51.4% in the general draft. Reserve compliance stands at roughly 90% up to exemption age, compared to about 60% in the general public.
The program has seen a 13% increase in new entrants over the past year — 2,808 versus 2,478 the previous year — with some 12,000 students currently in the pipeline across about 75 active yeshivas. The release comes as earlier reports indicated the IDF is weighing adjustments to the service framework for yeshiva students amid a broader shortage of combat personnel, as The Zioneer previously reported. The data is consistent with longstanding claims by Hesder advocates that the track produces high rates of combat service and reserve duty, but does not address debates over total service length or deferment arrangements for the general ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) draft.
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