25% of Israeli Submarine Crew Are Religious Soldiers

The commander of Flotilla 7, Colonel Y., stated that 25% of the soldiers serving on the submarine INS Drakon are religious. He described the new submarine as having three key characteristics: its ability to gather precise, real-time intelligence, its role in special operations, and its high-quality personnel.

Colonel Y. highlighted the submarine's extended, undetectable presence in operational areas, contrasting it with other IDF platforms. He emphasized the importance of the crew's ability to live and work together for long periods without external exposure, calling the personnel the most crucial element.

The commander expressed pride in the religious soldiers, noting their commitment to observing Jewish traditions, including blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, fasting on Yom Kippur during operations, and observing the Sabbath. He mentioned hearing Sabbath songs from lower decks while other crew members continued operational duties above, calling this a unique aspect of the submarine service.

The INS Drakon recently arrived in Israel, and its crew participated in a flotilla event. The submarine is considered the most expensive vessel in the history of the Israel Defense Forces.