"We need more manpower, and we will be pleased if the ultra-Orthodox
serve in the IDF. They have brought good results wherever they have
served to date, and they will learn that army service benefits them as
well. I think that in the framework of a gradual and stable process, we
will be able to incorporate more and more elements of Israeli society.
We need these people – on the borders, at the bases and at the
headquarters."
Ynet interviewed IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz on the eve of Israel's Independence Day, Yom Ha'atzmaut, which was today. Here is what Gantz said about haredi army service:
Do you need all the haredi manpower (the government) wants to bring into the army?
"We need more manpower, and we will be pleased if the ultra-Orthodox serve in the IDF. They have brought good results wherever they have served to date, and they will learn that army service benefits them as well. I think that in the framework of a gradual and stable process, we will be able to incorporate more and more elements of Israeli society. We need these people – on the borders, at the bases and at the headquarters."
Would you want to incorporate the haredim even at the price of neutralizing the women in these units?
"Absolutely not. The IDF is a State's army in which everyone can serve, and women in the IDF contribute greatly in every aspect. Let us remember that during the liberation of Jerusalem we needed both Rabbi Goren and Shuli Natan."