Two Haredi Battalions Operate Simultaneously in Northern Israel for First Time

For the first time since the establishment of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) "Hasmonean" Brigade, two of its battalions, the reserve "Shimon" battalion and the active-duty "Yonatan" battalion, are operating concurrently in the northern sector. This deployment is part of an increased readiness and reinforcement of IDF forces in various sectors during the High Holy Days period.

For the "Shimon" reserve battalion, this marks its inaugural participation in a defense mission in the northern region. Its soldiers are graduates of a training track who enlisted for reserve duty after previously receiving exemptions. Prior to their operational deployment, they underwent full combat training at the Hasmonean training base, tailored to their Haredi lifestyle.

In the northern sector, the reservists are joining the "Yonatan" battalion, the Hasmonean Brigade's active-duty unit, which has already accumulated over six months of continuous operational experience in the area.

The simultaneous operation of these two battalions is part of the broader expansion of IDF forces since the beginning of the war. During this period, dozens of new active-duty and reserve battalions have been established to increase personnel numbers and alleviate the burden on existing soldiers.