ByAMIR BOHBOTAUGUST 4, 2026 11:29For the first time since its establishment, the Atidim Directorate is expanding its programs to additional communities, with an emphasis on the haredi population, and has opened a dedicated academic track.The directorate is a military body that operates through civilian and defense cooperation. Its main purpose is to identify, screen, guide, and support prospective recruits and students from Israel’s periphery and special populations as they pursue academic and technological tracks in the IDF.Under the Pa’amei Atidim program, dozens of haredi students and students from other minority communities will study toward a practical engineering diploma before their enlistment at Ariel University’s Practical Engineering College.Upon completing the program, they will join leading technological units in the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate and complete a full academic degree in engineering during their military service.“This is a step that opens up a world that until now was almost entirely closed to the haredi public, combining higher education in engineering and technology in a dedicated and adapted framework," an authorized military official said. "They will subsequently join core technological units in Military Intelligence and throughout the IDF.”UNIT 8200 soldiers in action – working with data. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Yochaved Pinhasi-Adi, CEO of the Practical Engineering College at Ariel University; Lt.-Col. Peleg, head of the IDF’s Atidim Directorate; and the head of the directorate’s haredi section.IDF needs people from all backgrounds with higher education“On Sunday, we marked the opening of the new track,” Lt.-Col. Peleg said. “First and foremost, this is your moment, as you begin a new path. It is also a major opportunity for everyone to take part in the IDF’s technological activity.”“Military Intelligence and the technological units need talented people from every part of Israeli society,” he said. “This track gives you an entry point into the world of engineering and allows you to combine your studies with meaningful service at the heart of the IDF’s technological activity, while accommodating your way of life.”Lt.-Col. Peleg added, “Intelligence and technological work depend on people who think differently, come from different backgrounds, and bring diverse perspectives with them.“The more we succeed in bringing high-quality people from the broad mosaic of Israeli society into our ranks, the more we strengthen our professional capabilities as well. When suitable frameworks are created, and opportunities are opened, everyone benefits: you, we in the IDF, and the entire country.”Follow us on Google