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 creation 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 Haredi Jewish men – a group previously exempted from military service.

In June, the Israeli Supreme Court revoked the military exemption for Haredis, which 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 people have defied military drafts. Last November, the Israeli army issued more than 1,100 arrest warrants for violations.

Most Haredis do not serve in the military, instead studying in religious schools called 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 base and adapting it to the Haredi lifestyle. This month, more recruits will be recruited 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