Does the IDF want Chareidim? Unequivocally yes. The IDF needs people, period – they’re in the process of opening up new units as we speak, and needs people to staff those units. If Chareidim are able to fill those roles, the IDF very much wants them in the mix.
There are certain logistical issues with respect to Chareidi service that need to be addressed – and the IDF is very willing to do so. This ranges from male-only units and bases to specific standards of Kashrus – but the Chareidi community needs to engage on this to make it happen.
There are those who, for purported or real ideological reasons, will not serve. This includes those who follow the Eida haChareidis and refuse government benefits as well as army service – and while I do not agree with their view, I acknowledge that they are at least internally consistent. UJM and others that purport to follow their views, though, are mere trolls and kefuyei tova – and seem to somehow ignore the Rambam and Rema on what is required when someone attempts to harm Jews. Then you have those above like Leibidik Yankel and BY1212, who spout flat-out non-truths about what the army and government want.
I was at three Levayos yesterday for 21-year-old Bnei Yeshivos who gave their lives to protect Klal Yisrael. They were killed along with five other soldiers – four non-Bnei Yeshiva Jews and one Druze. The army did not send them to the front lines because they were “mizrochnik” Bnei Yeshiva – they were in combat because they felt an Achrayus to protect Klal Yisrael. As one of the fathers said, his son told him “If I don’t do it, who will”? It’s not that he did not want to stay and sit in Yeshiva – it’s that he saw that he had an achrayus to the Tzibur, and did not shirk his responsibility.
Saying the IDF needs to work on accomodating Chareidi sensibilities is legitimate. Coming up with ever-changing excuses as to why Chareidim should not serve is not.
an Israeli Yid