Yeshivat HaGvul: Integrating More Charedim into the IDF

The question of integrating Charedi students into Israel’s army has lingered unresolved for over 70 years, largely due to the inability—or unwillingness—of politicians to tackle the issue head-on. It’s a divisive topic, fraught with cultural sensitivities, ideological differences, and political opportunism. Yet, in a country renowned for its ingenuity—home to groundbreaking innovations like Waze and Mobileye—surely a creative, workable solution is within reach.

The truth is that this issue has never been about a lack of solutions. It has remained unresolved because it has been politically convenient for both the right and the left to maintain the status quo. For decades, Charedi parties have joined coalitions on both sides of the aisle when it suited their interests. On the right, their support has been secured with promises to exempt their communities from military service and provide generous funding to their institutions. On the left, the Charedim have been courted for their seats with similar promises, even as left-wing leaders publicly bashed them for avoiding service to motivate their secular voter base. Both sides have perpetuated the status quo, leaving the problem to fester.

This political dynamic has left Israel’s borders understaffed. Of course, one could also point the finger directly at the Charedi community itself for taking advantage of the political process, using its influence to ensure continued exemptions while sidestepping military service obligations. But assigning blame doesn’t solve the problem. The reality is that large swaths of the Charedi public are not serving and are not responding to draft notices. Forcing Charedim to serve after 70 years of exemptions is not a realistic solution. The idea of imprisoning large numbers of Charedim for draft evasion is impractical and would only deepen societal divisions. Financial penalties, similarly, are ineffective. The Charedi community has proven itself to be extraordinarily resourceful, and there are countless Jews around the world who sympathize with the community’s plight. If faced with severe financial punishments, private donors would inevitably step in to provide support, ensuring that such penalties fail to achieve their intended effect. All this underscores the point that compulsory force or punitive measures to break a 70-year status quo is not only unfeasible but counterproductive.

What’s needed now is creativity and pragmatism. The problem is here, it’s significant, and it demands action. Instead of perpetuating the gridlock, we need innovative solutions that respect Charedi values while meeting the country’s security needs.

In February 2024, reports surfaced about the IDF exploring the establishment of a yeshiva near a relatively safe border crossing. This initiative was designed to allow Charedi soldiers to combine Torah study with military service in a manner consistent with their religious lifestyle. Later, in November 2024, the IDF announced plans to create the Chashmonai Brigade, an all-Charedi combat infantry unit tailored to meet the unique needs of Charedi soldiers. The first company of this brigade is expected to be operational by Chanukah. These developments reflect a growing recognition within the army of the need for innovative approaches to integrating Charedi individuals into Israel’s security framework.

Building on these concepts, “Yeshivat HaGvul” (The Border Yeshiva) proposes taking these ideas even further. Rather than limiting such initiatives to a single border crossing or specific units, this plan envisions a network of yeshivas lining Israel’s borders. These yeshivas would serve dual purposes: spiritual defense through continuous Torah study and physical defense through trained and coordinated border security. This expanded approach not only enhances border security on a national scale but also provides a sustainable framework for Charedi participation in national defense. By broadening the scope of these initial efforts, “Yeshivat HaGvul” offers a systematic and scalable solution to a long-standing challenge.

“Yeshivat HaGvul” envisions a line of yeshivas every 10 kilometers along Israel’s borders.  These yeshivas would serve a dual purpose: spiritual defense through Torah study and physical defense through trained border security. Each yeshiva would function as a full-fledged learning institution while also being a military border post. Students would follow a set schedule, dividing their time between intensive Torah study and guard duty, patrolling and securing their designated sections of the border.

This model offers a solution that aligns with the values and lifestyle of Charedi communities while contributing directly to Israel’s defense. It provides a framework where Charedi students can remain within their cultural and religious environment, led by their own rosh yeshivas, yet serve the nation in a meaningful way.

Students at “Yeshivat HaGvul” would receive specialized training focused on border security, ensuring they are equipped to effectively patrol and protect their designated sections of the border. The training would be carefully tailored to accommodate the religious sensitivities of Charedi students. This includes a set yeshiva learning schedule that prioritizes Torah study, providing Mehadrin kosher food to meet the highest standards of kashrut, and ensuring strict observance of Shabbat and other religious practices throughout their service.

Each yeshiva would be responsible for securing its designated section of the border, maintaining a constant physical presence that acts as both a deterrent against potential threats and a mechanism for rapid response in times of need. This presence would contribute to the overall security infrastructure while allowing students to serve in a way consistent with their values.

To ensure efficiency and accountability, the program would operate under the overarching coordination and oversight of the IDF security establishment and border patrol leadership. This structure would align the efforts of “Yeshivat HaGvul” with national security objectives, ensuring integration into Israel’s broader defense strategy.

The government would fully fund these yeshivas, just as it funds other military units, recognizing them as integral to Israel’s defense. This would include salaries, infrastructure, and educational support.

Charedi leaders would have significant input in the establishment and operation of these yeshivas, encouraging buy-in from the community. Many within the Charedi sector would relish the opportunity to lead these institutions as Rosh Yeshivas, further incentivizing participation.

Whether participation in “Yeshivat HaGvul” would be voluntary or mandatory is a question best left to the political process. The initiative’s design is flexible enough to succeed under either model, as long as it receives robust support and clear guidance from Israel’s leadership.

Critics within the Charedi community may argue that any form of military service risks exposing young men to secular influences, potentially undermining their religious commitment and way of life. However, “Yeshivat HaGvul” directly addresses these concerns by embedding service within a strictly religious framework designed to safeguard their values.

The students remain fully immersed in a yeshiva environment, surrounded by their peers and under the guidance of rabbinic leaders who oversee their daily routines. Torah study remains a central focus, with the schedule meticulously balanced to ensure that their spiritual growth is prioritized alongside their security responsibilities. Every aspect of the program, from the provision of Mehadrin kosher food to the strict observance of Shabbat and other religious practices, is tailored to align with Charedi norms.

Furthermore, the physical and ideological separation of “Yeshivat HaGvul” from traditional military units minimizes exposure to secular influences. This setup enables students to serve without compromising their religious identity, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging within a framework that resonates with their values. By doing so, “Yeshivat HaGvul” provides a viable and respectful pathway for Charedim to contribute to national security while maintaining their commitment to Torah and tradition.

For those who argue that every citizen should serve in the same way, “Yeshivat HaGvul” provides an alternative: it’s not about diminishing the sacrifices of traditional IDF service but about creating a meaningful pathway for all sectors of society to contribute to national defense. The reality is that a significant portion of the population—primarily within the Charedi community—is not currently serving. After 70 years of exemptions and failed attempts to enforce conscription, the situation remains unchanged.

Efforts to impose a uniform model of service have repeatedly met with resistance, leaving the issue unresolved and the defense burden disproportionately carried by other sectors of society. Rather than persisting in a strategy that hasn’t worked, “Yeshivat HaGvul” offers a practical solution that acknowledges the unique dynamics of the Charedi community while addressing the urgent need for increased manpower to secure Israel’s borders. By providing a framework tailored to Charedi values, this initiative represents a realistic step forward where everyone has the opportunity to contribute in a way that aligns with their way of life.

The events of October 7 underscored the critical importance of securing Israel’s borders. The vulnerabilities exposed that day demonstrated the necessity of innovative solutions to bolster national defense. At the same time, the growing Charedi population—and their continued exemption from military service—adds to societal tensions and strains the IDF’s ability to meet its manpower needs.

Israel has solved so many challenges through creativity and innovation. Yet, for over 70 years, this issue has remained unresolved—not because there are no solutions, but because political leaders have prioritized short-term coalition-building over long-term national interests. “Yeshivat HaGvul” offers a practical way forward, one that respects the Charedi community’s values while addressing the urgent need for border security.

“Yeshivat HaGvul” has the potential to attract significant participation from within the Charedi community by offering a service model that aligns with their deeply held values and lifestyle. This initiative not only addresses the practical need for greater border security but also paves the way for deeper dialogue between secular and religious Israelis, creating opportunities to bridge divides that have long fractured Israeli society.

By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, “Yeshivat HaGvul” demonstrates that national service can be inclusive and adaptive, accommodating the diverse fabric of Israeli society. Allowing Charedi students to contribute to the nation’s security in a way consistent with their religious commitments avoids alienating a vital segment of the population while tapping into their sense of civic duty.

This approach transforms what has historically been a point of contention into a shared effort for the good of the nation, addressing one of Israel’s most pressing societal challenges with innovation and respect for all its citizens.

“Yeshivat HaGvul” is more than a security solution—it’s a bold reimagining of how Israel integrates its diverse communities into the national fabric. It respects Charedi autonomy while addressing a pressing national need. It’s a plan that offers physical protection for Israel’s borders and spiritual reinforcement for its people.

After decades of political gridlock, it’s time to move past empty debates and act. With “Yeshivat HaGvul,” we have a chance to strengthen Israel’s defense, foster unity, and honor the values of all its citizens. Let’s seize the opportunity to finally address this issue with the seriousness it deserves.