Israeli army considers recruitment drive targeting Jewish youth abroad

Israel is mulling the recruitment of Jewish youths from abroad to fight in the army due to severe shortages.

Army Radio reported it was looking at a possible campaign to reach out to the diaspora to fill vacancies within the ranks of the military.

The broadcaster said it was currently struggling with a shortfall of 10,000 to 12,000 troops, driven largely by the refusal of ultra-Orthodox Jews to serve.

Attempts to recruit the conservative minority, who have traditionally enjoyed exemption in return for pursuing religious study, have so far failed to yield results.

The military reportedly intends to target Jewish communities in the US and France in particular, aiming to add around 700 recruits each year.

Existing army recruits have increasingly been dropping out of service since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, citing physical and psychological trauma.

In July, Israeli daily Maariv reported that senior commanders said that there was a gap of about 7,500 soldiers.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported on Sunday that the army estimates it will need about four months to complete its planned operation to occupy Gaza City.

It added that the US administration has asked to review Israel’s plans for the operation.