Professor Asher Cohen stated that 77% of Jewish men did not perform any reserve duty during the peak mobilization period. When excluding the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) population, the figure drops to 63%. The claim, if accurate, indicates a severe shortfall in reserve manpower.
Professor Asher Cohen of Bar-Ilan University said Sunday that 77% of Jewish men performed no reserve duty during the peak mobilization period. When the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) population is excluded, the figure drops to 63%, he said.
The statement adds to a growing body of commentary on Israel's reserve duty burden. As The Zioneer reported on July 6, Cohen had previously stated that 85% of reservists aged 21–44 did not report during peak mobilization. The new figures appear to reflect a broader population base (all Jewish men, not just the reservist age cohort) and include men who did not serve at all versus those who did not report for a specific call-up.
The data cited by the professor is not official IDF manpower statistics and could not be independently verified. The debate over reserve duty exemptions, particularly for the Haredi community, remains a central political issue in Israel.
- DevelopingProf. Asher Cohen: 85% of reservists aged 21–44 did not report during peak mobilization
- DevelopingReligious Jewish recruits lead IDF combat service, new FOIA data shows
- DevelopingBitton Rosen: Army, Defense Ministry failing to ease reservist burden, blaming Haredim
- DevelopingIDF manpower chief: Most draft dodgers are not Haredim
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