According to multiple outlets, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is considering a campaign to encourage young adults from Jewish populations in other countries, including the United States, to enlist for military service. The potential move is reportedly due to an increasing soldier shortage. Reports said the possible campaign would target adults between the ages of 18 and 25. The IDF is reportedly exploring the recruitment of diaspora Jews aged 18 to 25 from the United States and France. Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/MP8hLKyCuH — AF Post (@AFpost) August 20, 2025 Israel National News provided additional details: According to data presented by the Manpower Division, the gap in military manpower is currently estimated at approximately 10,000 to 12,000 soldiers. In the absence of significant recruitment from the haredi sector, the army is seeking to examine new avenues that will allow for the immediate strengthening of the fighting force. This morning, Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio) reported that the IDF is planning to formulate a program that will specifically target the large Jewish communities in the United States and France, and will encourage young Jews between the ages of 18 and 25 to come to Israel and enlist in the IDF for a period of several years. The estimates collected so far show that the recruitment potential in these communities exceeds 10,000 candidates per year. The army has set an initial goal of recruiting 600 to 700 additional soldiers each year from among the Diaspora. The IDF emphasizes that this is a process that is still in the initial stages of testing and formulation. However, senior officials note that “reality requires creative thinking, and appealing to the Jewish sentiment of the Diaspora communities may be a way to enhance the ranks and help reduce the shortage.” The Jerusalem Post noted there are around 14,600 deserters. In the past week, the Israeli military “made several arrests against haredi draft dodgers,” the outlet stated. “There are two principal drivers: draft-dodging by ultra-Orthodox Israelis, and lower retention of current soldiers,” Collin Rugg said, citing Zero Hedge. NEW: Israel is considering a campaign to recruit inside the United States as their soldier shortage persists, according to @zerohedge. The IDF currently has a 10,000 soldier shortfall and is coming up with ways to close the gap. “There are two principal drivers: draft-dodging… pic.twitter.com/7gcCvSkOup — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 20, 2025 More from The Jerusalem Post: Dialogue around the issue of an equal draft and the full integration of eligible haredi men into service has intensified at a steady rate since the Israel-Hamas War began nearly two years ago. Anyone who answers the call now will be able to enlist and settle their affairs without arrest or jail time. They will be immediately taken to basic training. The IDF will personally reach out to the relevant recruits, with an emphasis on those between the ages of 18 and 28.