IDF holds conference for ultra-Orthodox reservists set to be sent to new Haredi brigade

The IDF last night held a conference for members of the ultra-Orthodox community who are set to be drafted into the army’s new Haredi brigade, known as Hasmonean Brigade, as reservists.

The military says it is establishing a reserve company in the new brigade, made up of those who already completed the so-called Shlav Bet track, in which older people are put through two weeks of basic training before being sent to serve in noncombat roles.

The reservists will now undergo an additional six-month combat training period, before being sent to Hasmonean Brigade’s reserve company, according to the IDF.

Some 200 Haredi men participated in the conference last night, where the IDF says they were told that the brigade will “have an ultra-Orthodox character, in which the ultra-Orthodox soldiers will receive all the necessary conditions to maintain their lifestyle.”

The men met with the head of the IDF Training Command, Maj. Gen. David Zini, and the current head of the brigade, Col. Avinoam Emunah — both of whom are Orthodox.

The military says that the wives of some of the draftees met separately with Zini’s wife for “an open conversation about their feelings” and what the military provides to the families of soldiers.

According to the IDF, so far the military has completed drafting the staff for Hasmonean Brigade as well as establishing infrastructure for the induction of the brigade’s first standing army company next month.