Israel recruits first group of Orthodox Jewish recruits into army

(CLO) The Israeli army has recruited about 50 new recruits into a new Orthodox Jewish brigade, marking the beginning of the end of a decades-long exemption from military service for this group of residents.

By the end of January 5, 100 more radical Jewish recruits had been drafted to serve in the reserve force, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The formation of the first two units of this brigade is considered by the IDF as an important milestone, meeting increased operational needs amid escalating military tensions.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish soldiers are recruited into the IDF's new Haredi brigade, called the Hasmonean Brigade, on January 5. Photo: IDF

After more than a year of armed conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah and other militant groups in the Middle East, Israel has decided to expand its recruitment of Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish men – a group previously exempted from military service.

In June, Israel's Supreme Court revoked the military exemption for Haredis that had been in place since the founding of the State of Israel. However, the decision was met with strong backlash from the Haredi community, an important political supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

There have been large-scale protests, and some have defied military drafts. In November, the Israeli military issued more than 1,100 arrest warrants for violations.

Most Haredis do not serve in the military, instead studying in yeshivas, which they see as central to preserving Judaism and as important to national security as the army. However, many Israelis believe that all Jewish citizens should serve in the military, especially in times of war.

The IDF said preparations for the new brigade have included training personnel, renovating the training grounds, and adapting them to the Haredi lifestyle. More recruits will be recruited this month to join the first group in basic training.

Hoai Phuong (according to TOI, JPost, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-lan-dau-tuyen-nhom-tan-binh-do-thai-chinh-thong-vao-quan-doi-post329171.html