Initiative seeks to enable undocumented teens in Israeli to join IDF amid shortage of soldiers

A new initiative seeks to enable undocumented teens in Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at a time when the military is facing a manpower shortage.

There are reportedly around 5,000 undocumented young people in Israel aged 15-24 who currently cannot serve in the IDF because they lack a permanent status that bars them from participating in Israel’s national defense. While they are largely children of foreign worker families, the majority were raised in Israel and feel connected to the Jewish state. 

The Israeli attorney Tomer Warsha who heads the Israel Bar Association’s Immigration Committee and the attorney colleague Asaf Weitzen, lead an initiative that would enable these teens and young people to serve in the Israeli military. 

The attorneys sent an official letter to the Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Interior Minister Moshe Arbel and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair MK Yuli Edelstein, presenting a proposal that would recognize the status of the undocumented teens and young people. 

Warsha and Weitzen described the issue as “a national and security necessity of the highest order.”

“Israel has an opportunity to gain high-quality personnel who will contribute to the country,” Warsha argued. “Time isn’t on our side,” he added. 

The 17-year-old Ashley Casao is one of these thousands of undocumented teens currently living in Israel. Born in Israel to a Filipino mother, Casao went to Israeli schools and embraced Zionist values. However, due to her status, she is currently unable to serve in the IDF. 

“In these challenging times for the State of Israel, I can’t see myself not helping and contributing my part. It’s my duty,” Ashley stated in her formal application. “As someone who grew up here and received so much from this country, I’m part of Israeli society and ask to take part in defending my homeland,” she continued. 

“I’m ready to contribute in any way needed, in a combat role or otherwise. I’m ready to contribute in whatever the country or IDF requires with great pride," she concluded. 

The 24-year-old Nathan Admaso from Jerusalem is another example of a young person who is prevented to serve in the IDF due to Israeli bureaucracy. Nathan was born in Israel to a father who was recognized as a refugee with a temporary residency permit. After his father moved to the United States, Nathan grew up with his 54-year-old single mother Elizabeth. 

“This is the only country I know,” Nathan explained. “I’m ready to serve in any role needed, but my status denies me the right to contribute," he added. 

The Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel eventually forced Israel to fight against Iranian-backed enemies on multiple fronts. While the Israeli military noted many military successes in the past 15 months of war, it has at the same time noted a shortage of manpower. 

In June 2024, the IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Col. Herzi Halevi said the Israeli military needed more soldiers specifically in combat roles. Halevi has specifically urged more ultra-Orthodox Israelis to join the Israeli military.

"The IDF needs more fighters," Halevi stated while visiting the IDF ultra-Orthodox Netza Yehuda Battalion. 

"We want you to show that it's possible to be a Haredi fighter, to study and protect the state's security. Continue doing a good job, protecting the residents here and also being a pioneer – Haredi fighters, each one as he defines himself," the IDF chief argued. 

While a minority of ultra-Orthodox Israelis serve in the IDF, the large majority currently do not serve due to religious, cultural and political reasons. This has led to serious tensions with mainstream Israeli Jews who serve in the military and increasingly call for a shared responsibility for the country’s security.