Who Can Join the IDF?

Service Requirements, Exemptions, and Options

Military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is a defining experience for many Israelis and a significant consideration for those making Aliyah. Understanding who must serve, who can volunteer, and what exemptions exist is crucial for anyone considering immigration to Israel.

Mandatory Service: Who Must Serve

Israeli-Born Citizens

**Jewish and Druze Men: **32 months of mandatory service (reduced from 36 months in 2024), drafted at age 18, followed by annual reserve duty until their 40s.

**Jewish Women: **24 months of mandatory service, drafted at age 18, with limited reserve duty after active service. Many exemptions available.

**Arab Christians, Muslims, and Bedouins: **Not subject to mandatory conscription but may volunteer.

New Immigrants (Olim): Special Rules

Men by Age at Immigration:

ï  **Ages 18-19: **Full service (32 months)

ï  **Ages 20-21: **Shortened service (typically 24 months)

ï  **Ages 22-23: **May serve shortened service or be exempt

ï  **Ages 24-26: **Not required but can volunteer

ï  **Age 27+: **Exempt from mandatory service, can volunteer in certain programs

Women by Age at Immigration:

ï  **Ages 18-20: **Generally required to serve, may be shortened

ï  **Age 21+: **Exempt from mandatory service, can volunteer

Other Exemptions:

ï  **Married individuals: **Generally exempt at time of Aliyah

Exemptions and Deferrals

Religious Exemptions:

ï  Haredi men studying full-time in yeshiva can receive exemption

ï  Religious women can receive exemption based on religious observance

ï  Many religious women choose National Service (Sherut Leumi) instead

Medical Exemptions:

ï  Physical or mental health conditions may result in exemption

ï  Profile 21 designation means unfit for service

ï  Determined by IDF medical evaluation

Educational Deferrals:

ï  University students can often defer service

ï  Service postponed until completion or specific age

Volunteer Service Options

Mahal Program

For Jews and qualified non-Jews living outside Israel: 14-18 months of service, shortened training, various unit options. Volunteers can return home after service without receiving Israeli citizenship automatically (unless also making Aliyah).

Garin Tzabar

For young adults making Aliyah specifically to serve: live on kibbutz or in absorption center, serve with peer group (garin), full military service with strong support network. Popular among North American and European olim.

Lone Soldier Support

For those serving without immediate family in Israel:

ï  Financial stipends beyond regular salary

ï  Housing assistance

ï  Holiday hosting programs

National Service (Sherut Leumi)

Alternative to military service for those eligible:

Who Can Serve:

ï  Religious women seeking exemption from IDF

ï  Some men with medical profiles unsuitable for military

What It Involves:

ï  1-2 years of civilian service

ï  Work in hospitals, schools, social services, elderly care

ï  Emergency services (Magen David Adom)

Benefits:

ï  Similar post-service benefits to IDF veterans

ï  Valuable work experience

ï  Contribution to Israeli society

Special IDF Programs for Immigrants

Michve Alon:

Preparatory program for new immigrants: 4-5 months of intensive Hebrew, physical training, Israeli culture, and IDF orientation before regular service begins. Helps olim succeed in service.

Hesder Program:

For religious men: combines military service and yeshiva study over 5 years, with 16 months of active service alternating with religious learning.

Atuda (Academic Reserve):

Defer military service for university, then commit to 4-5 years as an officer in specialized fields. Receive education funding. Popular for technical and medical fields.

Israel has expanded combat roles for women, including:

ï  Infantry (Caracal Battalion, Light Infantry)

ï  Artillery and Search and Rescue

ï  Border Police special units

ï  Fighter pilot track and Naval combat roles

Combat positions are volunteer-based, requiring physical fitness tests and same standards as men. Combat service may extend beyond 24 months.

Practical Considerations

**Language: **Hebrew proficiency is important. Michve Alon helps immigrants learn, and some units are more English-friendly, but the command language is Hebrew.

**Career Impact: **IDF service is considered valuable experience in Israel, offering network building and leadership skills. It may delay career start but is seen as worthwhile.

**Education Benefits: **Post-service educational assistance, tuition support at Israeli universities, additional benefits for combat soldiers and lone soldiers.

The Decision to Serve

Reasons People Volunteer:

ï  Zionist ideology and connection to Israel

ï  Integration into Israeli society

ï  Life experience and personal growth

ï  Career opportunities afterward

Reasons People Don't:

ï  Age and life stage

ï  Career or family obligations

ï  Personal views or medical concerns

Service is valued but not mandatory for all. Many successful, integrated olim never served. Contributing to Israel takes many forms, and each person's situation is unique.

Consult with:

ï  Jewish Agency counselors

ï  IDF representatives at Aliyah fairs

ï  Nefesh B'Nefesh military advisors

ï  Lone soldier organizations (Friends of the IDF, Lone Soldier Center)

The Bottom Line

IDF service requirements vary greatly based on citizenship status, age at immigration, marital status, and other factors. Israeli-born Jewish men and Druze men face mandatory service, while many others can choose whether to volunteer. New immigrants beyond certain ages are typically exempt but may volunteer if they wish.

For those making Aliyah, understanding your service status is important for planning your integration into Israeli society. Whether you serve or not, there are many ways to contribute to and be part of Israeli life.

**For more information, visit www.easyaliyah.com

Updated on: 01/02/2026