Steinman said IDF service is permitted – but only for ex-haredim, kids who were out on the streets because they were kicked out of haredi yeshivas, were committing crimes and hooliganism, and most importantly to him, were already breaking Shabbat. Every actual haredi yeshiva student should refuse to serve in the IDF.
Above: Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman in his early to mid-90s
Several years ago, the now 101-year-old supreme leader of non-hasidic Ashkenazi haredim worldwide, Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman, purportedly endorsed the Nahal Haredi 'haredi' IDF battalion and encouraged weaker yeshiva students to join it.
The endorsement was later qualified and retracted, and in an undated letter to Rabbi Don Segel posted by Yeshiva World, Steinman explained what his endorsement really was:
To the honor of my friend the gaon and tzaddik, R’ Don Segal may HaShem watch over him. Pleasant tidings on his right forever.
Since he has heard a widespread and continued report suggesting that I am in support of the idea of Nachal Charedi, that bochurim who are weak in Torah study or in Yiras Shomayim will benefit from being there and understandably such a thought would never enter my mind, what was discussed in the beginning was that bochurim who are mechallelei Shabbos and actually committing other grave transgressions for which the punishment is kareis. And the father wants to save the boy and to save the street from enduring damage that we do not have the power to withhold him but for sure it is an unforgivable sin if he were to persuade or entice in any possible way which might cause anyone who is not a mechallel Shabbos or committing other chayivei kerisos to be placed there.
And as a rule I refrain from replying about this issue because the way of some people even from those who are considered to be charedim for the word of HaShem is that they explain everything with all sorts of theories and they enjoy to cast blame on people, may HaShem forgive since perhaps their intention is for Heaven’s sake but since his honor and greatness is known to me that he isn’t chas v’shalom among those who seek to malign I am writing to you. We may hope to HaShem Yisborach that there be an increase of those who study Torah and of those who are servants of HaShem Yisborach which through their merit HaShem will have mercy on His nation and redeem us the eternal redemption.
His friend who respects him in his high esteem
A.L. Shteinman
In other words, Steinman said IDF service is permitted – but only for ex-haredim, kids who were out on the streets because they were kicked out of haredi yeshivas, were committing crimes and hooliganism, and most importantly to him, were already breaking Shabbat. Every actual haredi yeshiva student should refuse to serve in the IDF, Steinman meant.
Here's a copy of the actual letter. Please click to enlarge: