for the first time in its history, the IDF integrates ultra-Orthodox Jews into its ranks – RT in French

The Israeli army announced the creation of an ultra-Orthodox brigade, thus integrating this religious community into the army. Beyond the decision of the Supreme Court, which put an end to an exemption from military service, this measure responds to a security imperative for the Jewish state which needs additional soldiers.

“The IDF has begun its recruitment program for the ultra-Orthodox brigade “Hahashmonaïm”,” the Israeli army indicated on January 5 in a post on the X platform. A decision which puts an end to an exemption from military service for this community religious.

“Around 50 ultra-Orthodox recruits enlisted today, forming the first unit of the brigade,” the Israeli army said, before adding that “around 100 other ultra-Orthodox will join the brigade after intensive training of 6 months.

IDF needs 10,000 soldiers

“This is a major step in integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into the IDF, while adapting to their way of life and meeting the operational needs of the ongoing war,” he also said. Israeli army.

This measure responds in particular to a security imperative. The IDF has been at war since October 7, 2023 and needs to recruit at least 10,000 new recruits, the daily said. The Times of Israel.

The integration of ultra-Orthodox Jews is a first in the history of the Jewish state, after successive Israeli governments attempted to incorporate this community into the ranks of the IDF.

Before these incorporations, the army declared having carried out an “extensive preparation process” in particular by recruiting personnel for the brigade, renovating a former training base (this is the Tebetz camp, in the Jordan Valley ) and “by adapting it to the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle,” reported the same source.

End of an exemption, in the name of equality

The Israeli media also indicated that the soldiers would have “kosher phones” at their disposal, blocking the various social networks. Last month, the Israeli army also created the first air force technician unit composed of ultra-Orthodox Jews, it added. The Times of Israel, specifying that this “allows them to maintain their religious way of life while serving in the army.”

This historic integration of this religious community into the ranks of the IDF was made possible by a decision of the Israeli Supreme Court last June to end the exemption from military service previously enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews who were studying in Talmudic schools. The High Court had been seized by secular parties and NGOs who denounced a breakdown in equality before the law.