Deputy IDF chief tells Haredi troops ‘no contradiction’ between faith and military service

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai visits the ultra-Orthodox Hasmonean Brigade's training base, May 20, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)
Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai visits the ultra-Orthodox Hasmonean Brigade's training base, May 20, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

Deputy IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai visited the ultra-Orthodox Hasmonean Brigade’s training base yesterday, the IDF says, where he told soldiers that “there is no contradiction” between being “fighters and God-fearing Jews.”

“From a world of faith, discipline and mission grow strong fighters and good commanders,” Yadai told troops during the visit.

He met with ultra-Orthodox cadets in the brigade’s officers course, trainees in its squad commanders’ course and soldiers currently undergoing training.

The military says the deputy chief of staff was presented with the brigade’s training facilities, its recent operations in Lebanon and the adjustments being made to accommodate their ultra-Orthodox lifestyle.

“We are deeply committed to enabling you to serve – while at the same time remaining ultra-Orthodox,” Yadai said. “The IDF is committed to continuing to build a framework for you that enables meaningful service for the security of the state, while fully preserving your identity and way of life.”

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