Netanyahu visits new Haredi Border Police unit, tells them ‘no contradiction between Torah and service’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits a recently established Border Police company for ultra-Orthodox men, which combines combat service with maintaining an ultra-Orthodox way of life, telling members of the company that “there is no contradiction between Torah and service.”

In a video released by his office, Netanyahu — accompanied by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel Police chief Danny Levy and Border Police Commander Brik Yitzhak — tells the soldiers: “You, in my eyes, are trailblazers. And it is important to understand — there is no contradiction between Torah and service. We are working to remove that contradiction, and you are the ones making it happen.”

“I am very glad to hear that you are able here to maintain an ultra-Orthodox, religious way of life. That is very important — that is the whole point. The goal is to continue holding both the sword and the Torah,” he adds, referring to Judaism’s foundational text.

Netanyahu praises the soldiers, who “came from all parts of the country,” saying: “We want to expand this, add more forces, and bring in your friends.”

In a statement from the premier’s office, Ben Gvir tells the soldiers: “This is how we truly integrate the ultra-Orthodox into our security forces — without trying to create division and hatred.”

He adds that “if the dilemma is between your life and the life of a terrorist, your life always comes first. You are taking part in a historic mission… defending and fighting for our land.”

The visit comes amid growing public opposition to blanket draft exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox, in light of the IDF’s manpower squeeze during the ongoing war in Gaza and the heavy reliance on reservists. The army has said it requires 12,000 new soldiers, 75% of them combat troops.

Netanyahu has recently insisted he is working to recruit the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF, rejecting claims he is delaying the process to appease Haredi political allies. The two Haredi parties quit the government last month after rejecting a proposed bill regulating military enlistment in their community.