IDF: Chief of the General Staff at the northern border in a meeting with commanders from the Hasmonean Brigade: “One of the lessons we learned from the October 7th massacre is that the IDF must grow, expand, and become stronger. We must increase our reinforcement and build more battalions and brigades capable of operating, defeating the enemy, and defending the State of Israel.”

“Our goal is to enable you to serve in the IDF while maintaining your way of life. My commanders and I are committed to this and are giving it considerable thought. Your integration into the IDF is vital to the security of the State of Israel and the entire people of Israel.”

“We are seeing an increase in the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF—both in combat roles and combat support roles. We must continue to replicate the Jonathan Battalion and develop the Hasmonean Brigade into a full combat brigade. We will continue moving forward toward one shared goal. I am proud of you and have full confidence in you.”

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, held a discussion today (Wednesday) with the troops of the “Jonathan” Battalion of the Hasmonean Brigade.

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, stated:

“We are in a decisive period and continue to fight on multiple fronts simultaneously. We have a strong military whose mission is to protect the State of Israel and its residents. One of the lessons we learned from the October 7th massacre is that the IDF must grow, expand, and become stronger. We must increase our reinforcement and build more battalions and brigades capable of operating, defeating the enemy, and defending the State of Israel.

One of the frameworks we established to strengthen the IDF is the Hasmonean Brigade, and I have no doubt that it will become one of the leading brigades in the IDF. This brigade is breaking new ground. Everywhere I meet commanders and ask about the Jonathan Battalion, I hear praise and a desire to keep you in their sector. This battalion is like Nachshon Ben Amminadav, who was the first to step into the sea and pave the way for the entire people. That is how you will be remembered in the history of our nation. As those who first broke new ground, your actions are making it possible to expand the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox.

Our goal is to enable you to serve in the IDF while maintaining your way of life. My commanders and I are committed to this and are giving it considerable thought. Your integration into the IDF is vital to the security of the State of Israel and the entire people of Israel.

It is important to me that you preserve your faith and way of life while fulfilling the commandment of defending the State of Israel. It is equally important to me that we uphold every commitment we have made to you. I am aware of the challenges, but this is a national, Jewish, and historic mission. It is a great mitzvah.

Today, I also met with the commanders of the 55th Reserve Brigade. This is the third consecutive year that they have reported for reserve duty and carried the burden for hundreds of days. We must expand the circle of those who serve in order to balance the scope of service and ease the burden on them. This is a goal we can achieve by increasing the number of regular service personnel.

We are seeing an increase in the enlistment of the ultra-Orthodox into the IDF—both in combat roles and combat support roles. We must continue to replicate the Jonathan Battalion and develop the Hasmonean Brigade into a full combat brigade.

We will continue moving forward toward one shared goal. I am proud of you and have full confidence in you.”

Attached are the following:

Video on the subject: https://bit.ly/4wn5o3c

Photo on the subject: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC9389475