The batch of recruits for March-April 2026 is expected to consist of thousands of soldiers, including those drafting into combat roles.
The IDF is moving forward with recruitment during Operation Roaring Lion, the military announced on Sunday.
The batch of recruits for March-April 2026 is expected to consist of thousands of soldiers drafting into combat roles.
"Those who decided to enlist in combat roles during the war and in the midst of Operation Roaring Lion are an expression of the powerful voice of the generation that rose to defend the people and the state," Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the Personnel Directorate, said. "You who enter the gates of the IDF are standing up out of a calling, out of recognition of the magnitude of the hour, and out of a willingness that has no end."
"Choosing meaningful service is the most overwhelming and clear answer to any enemy who imagined in his soul that the spirit of our people had weakened. The enemy hears the roar at the front and can feel its power here, too, at the gates of the recruitment office. Those who choose to serve in combat roles and support the General Staff at this historic hour, choose to be a significant link in the chain of generations of the nation and, in effect, write the next chapter in Israel's security. I am eternally proud of you and trust you."
Over 500 new immigrants recruited during Operation Roaring Lion
The youngest soldier recruited was just under 18, while the oldest was over 33. The average age of the recruits was 19 years old.
Also in this batch of recruits were 562 new immigrants to Israel, and 616 lone soldiers.
The majority of new immigrants came from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine. There were also several countries in which only a single newly immigrated soldier was born, including Monaco, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Armenia, Denmark, New Zealand, Poland, China, El Salvador, Cuba, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uganda, Singapore, and Greece.
