(JNS) Maj. (res.) Yossi Levi is set to become the first Charedi battalion commander in the IDF, a milestone in integrating Charedi soldiers into the country’s military.

“I checked—there were no Charedi battalion commanders before me. So here we go, with God’s help,” he told Kan News in a profile that aired on Tuesday, March 18 on the public broadcaster’s Channel 11.

As CEO of the Netzah Yehuda Association, Levi advocates for increased Charedi enlistment, arguing that one regular Charedi battalion could replace 12 reserve units. “It’s incredibly difficult to call up my soldiers for a third round of reserve duty,” he said.

He warned that growing hostility toward Charedim could backfire, noting a shift since Israel’s 2024 draft policy changes. “Before, some felt embarrassed not to enlist. Now, even those not studying Torah say, ‘We won’t enlist.’”

Levi also highlighted the short-lived Charedi volunteer surge after the Hamas-led terrorist invasion on Oct. 7, 2023, and challenged claims that the army threatens
religious identity. “Dropout rates are higher in academia than in the IDF. So why study for a degree but refuse to serve?”

Calling for systemic change, he insisted: “There’s no more patience. Something must be fixed.”