'The IDF should be bigger,' Halevi says during situational assessment in Western Galilee
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi called for a larger military on Wednesday, highlighting a haredi soldier's success story as he pushed for greater ultra-Orthodox integration into the forces.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFUpdated: OCTOBER 30, 2024 23:56 IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE)
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said the IDF should be bigger during a situational assessment in the Western Galilee on Wednesday.
“The IDF needs to be larger, both in regular forces and reserves, and therefore, we’re building more forces,” he said.
Halevi's comment comes amid the ongoing haredi draft exemption debates and discussions related to the IDF's existing manpower in operations in both Gaza and southern Lebanon.
Halevi spoke about a haredi soldier from the Givati Brigade who was injured in Rafah.
“He wanted to enlist, though his family initially didn’t support him; from the moment he began, they embraced him wholeheartedly, standing by him before and certainly after his injury,” he said.
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visit northern Israel. May 4, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Halevi expressed support for more haredi soldiers
“And I’m telling you, our question is how we create many more like him. That’s what’s socially right, and I believe if we can grow from this war with the understanding that the IDF needs to be larger, there might be a very positive social transformation as well."
Halevi conducted the assessment with Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin. He also spoke with brigade commanders and reserve battalion commanders operating in Lebanon.
