JNS
"We're cultivating God-fearing soldiers who are heroes, men of valor and men of truth," said the commander of Yonatan Battalion.
The Yonatan Battalion—the first regular service battalion of the Israel Defense Forces all-Haredi Hasmonean Brigade—is now operational after completing its first-ever battalion-level exercise on Tuesday.
As part of the exercise in the Golan Heights, the troops drilled "combat in open terrain, raids and urban warfare," the IDF said on Wednesday.
The drill "concluded the battalion's operational certification and its preparations for operational activity," the military statement added.
As part of its training, the Hasmonean Brigade's first standing battalion completed specialized courses, including on handling heavy weapons, drones, and sniper operations, among other subjects, the IDF noted.
All courses were "adapted to their way of life and enable the battalion to operate as an organic framework," according to the Jewish state's army.
"It's possible to be Haredi and be a combat soldier. You are making history," declared IDF Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, commander of the Ground Forces.
"I am proud of you, the brigade’s soldiers and commanders. You operate at a high operational standard while preserving your unique identity," Lotan added.
"We are in a historic period," Yonatan Battalion commander Lt. Col. A., identified as a rabbi, declared in the IDF statement. "We're cultivating God-fearing soldiers who are heroes, men of valor and men of truth."
The newest IDF battalion is "a high-quality infantry battalion that will be prepared for all missions in all arenas, with strength and creativity," he added.
Israel's Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that, following the expiration of an exemption law, the IDF must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an Oct. 20 Knesset speech, said that legislation currently making its way through parliament would seek to enlist 10,000 Haredim within just two years, calling it a "revolution."
"We have the example of the Hasmonean Brigade," he stressed. "These bold fighters enlisted in the IDF as Haredim and will be discharged as Haredim, and we will add more tracks that will make this possible."
