The Hasmonean Brigade, which is intended for the ultra-Orthodox, began its first recruitment cycle with about 50 recruits since the morning (Sunday), which will lead the first company of the brigade. The IDF says that another 100 Haredi soldiers will complete the recruitment process for reserves by the end of the day.
The new recruits are intended to undergo training for the 07th Infantry Brigade for six months, at the end of which they will be part of the first reserve company of the brigade.
The First Haredi Division
Hasmonaim is a regular infantry brigade in the IDF whose goal, for the first time in the history of the Israel Defense Forces, is to enable ultra-Orthodox fighters to serve in a framework that is compatible with their lifestyles. it is adapted to include about 3,000 fighters in the end. The IDF Spokesperson notes that the recruits today “are establishing the first two companies that are the first opening shot in the process of establishing the Haredi brigade and they will serve as operational fighters under the battalion framework of the Hasmonean Brigade.”
A common thread
In preparation for the establishment of the brigade, the IDF invested extensive efforts in adapting the conditions to the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, including preparing the appropriate staff, renovating the training bases and adapting the army’s policy. The recruitment of the Haredi brigade constitutes a significant operational and social move, in the direction of integrating the Haredi public in the IDF and creating a solution to the needs of both the soldiers and the operational needs of the army.
In addition, today, for the first time, NIS 30,000 from the Haredi sector were led for a new route in the Technology and Logistics Division. As part of the route, the recruits will serve in positions in the electro-optical array of the rehabilitation and maintenance center and will help in the production of components whose need was significantly increased following the war.
Alongside these, additional enlistments are being given to candidates for service from members of the ultra-Orthodox public, to a variety of service tracks in the IDF, which are intended to expand the involvement of the ultra-Orthodox sector in military service.
