In March a record number of Hesder yeshiva students are enlisting in the IDF. There were 850 recruits this month, of which 73.5% enlisted for combat service in Golani, Givati, Nahal, paratroopers, Kfir, tanks, combat engineering and other brigades. The new numbers were achieved in spite of the fact that Defense Minister Ehud Barak recently expelled the Har Bracha yeshiva from the Hesder program.
Hesder students combine yeshiva studies and army service in a five year program starting from age 18.