Ultra-Orthodox Youth Enlist in IDF Amidst Protests

Approximately 500 ultra-Orthodox men reported for IDF enlistment at the Tel HaShomer induction center on Sunday, facing protests from extremist Haredi individuals who attempted to block their entry. Around 300 of the new recruits are slated for combat roles in units such as the Hatz Battalion, the Hasmonean Brigade, and the Netzah Yehuda battalion. Protesters shouted slogans like "We will die rather than enlist." Yosef Friedman, a recruit from Modi'in Illit, expressed his excitement and sense of duty, stating, "I couldn't sleep last night. I am very excited, it is a great privilege to defend the country." Friedman, who studied at the Haredi-religious combat preparatory program "BeTzetza," is joining Netzah Yehuda. Another recruit, Itamar Reinhold, inspired by his brother's service in Gaza, is enlisting in the first Haredi battalion. He said, "I simply wanted to be a part of it. My brother served in Netzah Yehuda, he fought the entire war in Gaza and he inspired me." The Netzah Yehuda battalion, established to integrate Haredi men into combat service while respecting their religious lifestyle, underwent extensive training and operated in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon during the "Swords of Iron" war, neutralizing hundreds of terrorists. Other combat options include the Hatz Battalion in the Paratroopers Brigade and the Hasmonean Brigade's Yonatan Battalion, which have also been active in various conflict zones. Alongside combat roles, about 200 Haredi recruits will take on technological and logistical positions through programs like "Ma'alot Tzur" and "Yoav Project," offering vocational training. Yossi Levi, CEO of the "Shomer Yisrael" association, highlighted this as a significant step, enabling Haredi men to contribute to national security while maintaining their religious identity. The enlistment of Haredi men remains a contentious issue in Israeli society and politics. During the enlistment day, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, were present. Leitner addressed the recruits, stating, "The days when the Haredi leadership was ashamed of you and didn't back you are over. We are proud of you." Lieberman commended the recruits for embodying solidarity and called for firm action against draft dodgers and inciters.