Israeli Minister Plans Expansion of Haredi Pre-Military Academies

Israeli Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock visited the "Machzikei" pre-military academy in the northern Jordan Valley, an institution that integrates religious and Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) youth preparing for military service. During her visit, Strock announced plans to open an additional Haredi pre-military academy in the Jordan Valley next year, stating her intention to "expand the share of the Haredi community in the pre-military academy enterprise."

The "Machzikei" academy, operated by the "Netzach" association under director Alon Benyahu, currently hosts approximately 35 first-year students and ten second-year students. Its curriculum combines Torah studies, physical and field training, values education, and mental preparation for significant military service. The academy emphasizes its unique approach of connecting different communities and its location in the Jordan Valley.

Following the success of the first cohort, and as part of Minister Strock's "Eastern Axis" program, preparations are underway for the new Haredi academy. Furthermore, construction is expected to begin soon on a Haredi "Hesder" yeshiva in the Jordan Valley. Strock highlighted the pre-military academies as an effective tool for integrating Haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), noting their proven ability to guide students toward meaningful service and officer roles while strengthening their values and character.

Strock expressed full confidence in the educational approach of the institutions and their role in reinforcing the hold on the borders, particularly along the eastern axis. This initiative complements the establishment of Haredi Hesder yeshivas currently being set up along the eastern axis and the northern border.

Yossi Levi, CEO of the Netzach association and the National Union for Haredi Service "Shomer Yisrael," expressed excitement about expanding the Netzach academy network to a seventh Haredi pre-military academy. He stated that establishing a Haredi academy in the Jordan Valley is integral to the students' religious, personal, and value-based development en route to military service and future careers. Levi added that the minister's visit reinforces this vision and that the growing demand indicates this path offers new horizons for many Haredi young men seeking direction after completing their yeshiva studies.