Ultra-Orthodox Youth Enlist in IDF Amidst Protests

Hundreds of ultra-Orthodox men reported for IDF enlistment at Tel HaShomer base on Sunday, facing protests from extremist elements who attempted to block their entry. Approximately 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 chanted "We will die rather than enlist" at the recruits as they passed. 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." He studied at the Netzah Yehuda battalion, a unit established to enable ultra-Orthodox men to serve in combat roles while maintaining their religious lifestyle. The training for soldiers in this battalion lasts about eight months and includes combat training and advanced drills. During the "Swords of Iron" war, the battalion operated primarily in the Gaza Strip, as well as in Judea and Samaria and Lebanon, neutralizing hundreds of terrorists and locating weapons. Other combat options include the Hatz company in the Paratroopers Brigade's 202nd Battalion, which comprises exclusively ultra-Orthodox soldiers and requires a specialized selection process. The Hasmonean Brigade's Yonatan battalion will also absorb some recruits, having recently operated in southern Lebanon. Alongside combat roles, around 200 ultra-Orthodox youths will enlist in technological and logistical positions through programs like "Ma'alot Tzur" and "Yoav Project," which offer vocational training. These programs are designed to accommodate the religious needs of the soldiers. Yossi Levi, CEO of the "Shomer Yisrael" association, highlighted this as a significant step, enabling religious observance alongside national service. The enlistment of Haredim is a contentious issue in Israeli society and politics. Political figures, including Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu and Moti Leitner of the ultra-Orthodox party, were present. Leitner praised the recruits, while Lieberman emphasized social solidarity and called for firm action against draft dodgers and inciters.