​The enlistment process through Mahal is the fastest: 3 months in total compared to approximately more than two years for the regular draft. You will not be able to leave Israel in these 3 months. 

You need to pass all stages of the orientation to get drafted through Mahal, and at any stage of the orientation you can get eliminated from the process. The process contains submission of documents, an orientation day, Tsav Rishon (First call-up) and the Mechina (pre-army program). You need to pass all staged to be accepted to the Mahal program and draft through the Mahal track.

Serving for 18 months is an option only if you are eligible for that (the specific criteria is listed on the website​). If not, you will still be able to draft through Mahal but you will have to serve for a full service (24 months for girls, 32 for boys). If you wish to draft to an elite combat unit \ any special position you will also have to serve for a full service.

Mahal is not providing any housing during the army service, the Mahal track fits people who wish to have more independence during their army service and choose their accommodation.

Every draft cycle is different from the one before, and you should be open for instructions and flexible according to the army’s needs. Take into consideration that in the March draft you will need to arrive in Israel in February, and mostly the draft to Michve Alon Hebrew Course is only in the ed of April, meaning there are gaps in the dates of the process. 

Only once you finish your Tzav Rishon (First call-up) and get your medical profile you will know which positions are eligible for you, the position depends on the army's needs and we cannot assure any specific rule.

The decision whether you will draft straight to your unit or to the Hebrew course first, depends on your Hebrew level which will be determined on your Tzav Rishon by the IDF. If you are intended to draft to the Hebrew Course in Michve Alon base you will know your position after you finish the course and not before the draft. 

You are obligated to be in Israel for the entire screening process until the draft, leaving abroad is an option only with special permission from the Mahal office. 

Arriving in Israel for an Interview doesn't mean you are eligible for the draft, only after you complete the pre-army program you will get the final approval for drafting. 

If you participated in any program in Israel (Mechina, Midrasha, Masa, etc.) you are obligated to bring a confirmation of participation. If you went to a Yeshiva in Israel you are obligated to bring a confirmation of participation. 

If you are considered as Ben Mehagrim, which means one of your parents is Israeli, you have to issue an Israeli passport before you start the process with Mahal. 

​For more information about Lone Soldier status- check the Lone Soldier information​ on our website