Decline in volunteers for IDF combat units

Just over 70 percent of new military recruits opt for service in a combat unit, compared with 80 percent three years ago, Maj.-Gen. Orna Barbay reported Thursday. The highest numbers come from two small towns in central Israel, Modiin and Rosh Ha’ayin and the lowest from Jerusalem, Ashdod and Bnei Berak. The general blamed atmosphere pervading the country that it is no longer in danger. She also criticizes the falling rate of women enlisting for military duty has dropped to 43 percent Too many use the pretext of religion, often falsely, to dodge army service.