Important Update from the IDF
The IDF regulations for length of service are currently being decided by the IDF. The information below is accurate to date but is subject to change. Please make sure to check for updates. This is the most current information released by the IDF. Any further changes to these regulations will be updated here.
For any questions regarding your Age of Arrival and length of service, please contact: lspen@nbn.org.il
Determining Your Length of Service
Length of service for Olim is determined by their Age of Arrival. Please note that a person’s Age of Arrival (their age on the date that they began a significant stay in Israel) is not necessarily their age on the date that they made Aliyah. Age of Arrival is determined according to:
- Entries and exits to Israel
- The length of stay of each visit
To obtain this information, you may request a Berur Knisot V’Yitziot Meha’aretz (בירור כניסות ויציאות מהארץ) from the Israel Ministry of Interior.
Guidelines for Determining Age of Arrival
The following guidelines apply to Olim Chadashim and Bnei Mehagrim (Ezrachim Olim or Ktinim Chozrim).
No Significant Stay in Israel
If the Oleh has not spent significant time in Israel (up to 120 days in a calendar year), Age of Arrival is considered from their Aliyah date.
If you have questions about your status, email: lspen@nbn.org.il
One-Year Program Followed by Remaining in Israel
If the Oleh visited Israel for a one-year period (either on a recognized or non-recognized program) and chose to stay in Israel, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time they first entered the country.
MASA Program Followed by Leaving Israel
If the Oleh participated in a one-year program recognized by The Jewish Agency for Israel as a MASA program and then left Israel for at least 12 months, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time of their return.
During this period, they can visit Israel for up to 120 days per calendar year, as long as there is a clean break of 60 days outside of Israel from the end of the program until the first visit.
This applies only to one recognized program.
If you return for a second recognized one-year program and then leave Israel for at least 12 months, this time will not be considered frozen.
Leaving Israel After One Year or More
If the Oleh was in Israel for one year or more, not on a recognized program, and left Israel for at least 24 months, the army will consider Age of Arrival from the time of their return.
During this 24-month period, visits to Israel are limited to 120 days per calendar year.
For further clarification, contact the Meitav representative in New York: Meitav@newyork.mfa.gov.il or 212-499-5314
The army is currently reevaluating its policy regarding resetting Age of Arrival by staying outside of Israel for 24 months. Updates will be provided when available.
Army Requirements for Olim
The charts below applies only to Olim who entered Israel at age 18 or older. Olim who arrived in Israel at age 17 or younger will be required to serve 32 months, regardless of family status.
If your Age of Arrival is before May 31, 2015, please refer to the this chart.
If your Age of Arrival is June 1, 2015 or after, use the guidelines below.
Determining Length of Service
Length of service is determined according to:
- Age of Arrival
- Family status (single, married, or married with children) at the time of enlistment
Male Soldiers
| Family Status | Age of Arrival | Length of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Single Male | 18–19 | 32 months |
| Single Male | 20–21 | 24 months |
| Single Male | 22–27 | Non-combat: 18 months Combat: 24 months |
| Married Male without Child | 18–19 | 32 months |
| Married Male without Child | 20–21 | 24 months |
| Married Male without Child | 22–27 | Non-combat: 18 months Combat: 24 months |
| Married Male with Child | 18–27 | Volunteer service: Minimum 24 months |
| Any status | 28+ | Exempt / Not eligible for volunteer service |
Female Soldiers
| Family Status | Age of Arrival | Length of Service |
|---|---|---|
| Single Female (all Aliyah statuses) | 18–21 | 24 months* |
| Single Female (all Aliyah statuses) | 22–27 | Non-combat: 18 months Combat: 32 months |
| Any status | 28+ | Exempt / Not eligible for volunteer service |
* Single females who serve in combat and other specific jobs will be required to serve a full service of 32 months.
Please note that some positions will require a commitment of a full army service, and occasionally longer.
Doctors and Dentists (Male)
For information about army service, please see: Army Service for Physicians
Women
Religious women can receive a Ptor (exemption). Click here for the process.
Married women have an automatic exemption from service in the IDF.
There is NO requirement for women to do Sherut Leumi instead of military service.
Click here for more information about Sherut Leumi.
Date of Enlistment
After making Aliyah, the government of Israel allots Olim one year of acclimation before they are drafted. A Tzav Rishon (first IDF notice) will be sent to your residence roughly 9 months after receiving a Teudat Zehut. If you are interested in expediting your army process once you make Aliyah, please contact the Lone Soldiers department: lspen@nbn.org.il.
Lishkot Hagiyus can be reached at:
03-738-8888 // *3529 // meitav@idf.gov.il
Compensation for Soldiers from Employers
A soldier who leaves a job because of the draft will receive compensation from his employer. As of February 2012, the Knesset approved two laws that relate to soldiers. According to the first law, someone who leaves their job in order to be drafted into the army or do Sherut Leumi is entitled to receive special compensation from their place of work.
Similarly, a released soldier who works in Avoda Muadefet (“preferred work”) and is called to serve in Miluim will be entitled to a monetary grant, even if they did not complete six months of work.
The role of FIDF and Nefesh B’Nefesh is to assist new immigrants to Israel who are drafted to the IDF. It is not the objective, or part of the scope of operational activities of either organization to help recruit soldiers for the Israel Defense Forces.