Israeli mlMilitary Enlists First Group of Ultra-Orthodox Recruits Into Brigade

6 January, 2025 Ultra-Orthodox recruits. Photo credits: Israel Defense Forces Israel has begun to form the first brigade of ultra-Orthodox recruits who were drafted into the army.

The press service of the Israeli Defense Forces reported on this. In total, as part of the conscription, about 50 Orthodox Christians formed the first company of the newly formed Hashmonaim Brigade. According to the Israel's Ministry of Defense, the first reserve company of the brigade is expected to include 100 more ultra-Orthodox soldiers after an intensive 6-month training.

Ultra-Orthodox recruits.

Photo credits: Israel Defense Forces

It was also reported earlier that as of November 2024, about 30 ultra-Orthodox recruits had passed the appropriate tests to join the unit. According to the plan of the Ministry of Defense, the Hashmonayim Brigade should consist of a full-time number of 4000 soldiers who, according to the signed document, will adhere to a halakhic lifestyle, which includes keeping a beard and peyo, refraining from foul language, and dressing in accordance with Jewish law. Ultimately, the formation will consist of three battalions of strictly religious fighters, totaling 3,000 people - two conscripts and one reserve.

Each combat battalion usually consists of four to five companies. Israel took the formation of the new unit very seriously and carried out appropriate preparatory processes, including barracks and premises adapted to the life of ultra-Orthodox recruits.

Ultra-Orthodox recruits. Photo credits: Israel Defense Forces

Despite the formation of the Hashmonayim Brigade, ultra-Orthodox can also serve in other brigades, namely in certain battalions, such as the Netzach Yehuda Battalion of the Kfir Brigade and airborne units.

This is due to the fact that some serve in a general manner, not as part of specialized units.

As a reminder, the Israeli government has approved a law that obliges Orthodox Jews to perform military or alternative service.

From now on, all Jews who have reached the age of 21 are subject to conscription every four years.