With members of the dati leumi community continuing to represent large numbers in the most elite IDF combat units, the number of inductees requesting a combat unit continues to climb. IDF officials report that an impressive 73% of those eligible for combat post in the November 2009 draft requested to be assigned to a combat unit. This represents a significant increase from the 67% in last year’s November draft.

Military officials credit the success during last year’s Operation Cast Lead counter-terrorism offensive in Gaza but in the religious world. While this is indeed a contributory factor, the true reason is evident, the growing percentage of new soldiers coming from the shomer shabbat community, with the combatants primarily from the dati leumi camp.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)