Recruitment of young Haredim to specialized IDF tracks has begun

The gates of the recruitment center (Bakum) opened this morning, Sunday, to receive another recruitment cycle of young men from the Haredi public, who are integrating into frameworks adapted to their lifestyle. Former Defense Minister and Chairman of the 'Yisrael Beiteinu' party, MK Avigdor Lieberman, also arrived at the Bakum to express support for the new recruits.

"I came to salute those young Haredim who came to enlist," said Lieberman. Referring to the protests against the draft that took place in the area, he attacked sharply: "All those who came to demonstrate, the draft dodgers, are acting against Judaism. The state must strengthen those who enlist and deal with a heavy hand with those who do not. Our government will deal with a heavy hand with those who do not enlist."

Today's recruits are integrating into tracks anchored in the General Staff order for the Haredi public, intended to allow for meaningful service while fully maintaining their lifestyle. The security establishment reports that the Haredi units have become a significant and active force in the current war.

Among the prominent combat tracks that the recruits will join today:

1. 'Hashmonaim' Brigade: The new Haredi infantry brigade, whose first regular battalion, "Yonatan Battalion," has already been operating for over half a year in southern Lebanon. The fighters are taking part in destroying terrorist infrastructure and Hezbollah tunnels, and recently even captured a terrorist from the Radwan force. Soon, the "Shimon Battalion" (the brigade's reserve battalion) is also expected to enter operations in the northern sector. The brigade simultaneously operates squad commander and officer courses adapted for Haredim.

2. 'Hetz' Company (Haredi Paratroopers): The company operating under the 202nd Paratrooper Battalion requires passing a rigorous selection process. 'Hetz' became the first Haredi company to operate in four different arenas: Judea and Samaria, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, including participation in operations to recover the bodies of hostages from Jabalia.

3. 'Netzah Yehuda' Battalion: The first and oldest Haredi battalion in the IDF, which recently completed a transition from routine security activity to a full-fledged maneuvering infantry battalion. The battalion's fighters, trained to 07 rifleman level, have eliminated hundreds of terrorists since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon, and are currently operating deep in the northern sector.

For young people who do not choose a combat path, the IDF offers recruitment to technological and logistical tracks that provide a profession for life, while ensuring full cultural adaptation. Among the prominent tracks are "Maalot Tzur" (00 basic training) and "Yoav Project" (02 basic training).