A new psak was released Monday by some of the most prominent poskim affiliated with leading Chassidishe groups, firmly reiterating a total prohibition on joining the Israel Defense Forces.
In their declaration, the rabbanim assert clearly: “According to Torah law, it is strictly forbidden to enlist in the army, which serves as a melting pot for the gravest transgressions and for casting off the yoke [of Torah and mitzvos].”
This psak was issued in light of inquiries from members of the chareidi public who are not exclusively dedicated to full-time Torah learning and includes references to military programs specifically designed for the chareidi community.
“The prohibition also includes haredi enlistment tracks, whether existing or future,” the statement reads. “These frameworks have proven to be deceitful, and they aim to alter the character of the Torah-observant public. Furthermore, they are subject to secular authorities, among other concerns.”
The ruling bears the signatures of the rabbonim of several of Israel’s largest Chassidishe courts, including Gur, Belz, Vizhnitz, Sanz, and others.
Rav Mechel Zilber, lending his endorsement, shared a personal recollection: “I personally heard from the Gaon of Tchebin, of blessed memory, who ruled based on the Gemara that even Dovid Hamelech would not go to war without consulting the Sanhedrin and the Urim VeTummim. The Gaon, of blessed memory, asked: how can one send a Jewish youth to the army and to war when there is no Sanhedrin and no Urim VeTummim? This applies to any young man, whoever he may be.”

{Matzav.com Israel}