The Hasmonean Brigade (Hebrew: חטיבת החשמונאים) is an elite infantry unit in the Israeli Defense Forces intended to accommodate Haredi soldiers, who were previously exempt from conscription in Israel. The brigade is currently commanded by Colonel Avinoam Emunah and has up to 4,000 soldiers.[1][2][3][4]
| Hasmonean Brigade | |
|---|---|
| חטיבת חשמונאים | |
 | |
| Active | 2024 - Present |
| Country | Israel |
| Branch | Israeli Ground Forces |
| Role | Elite Haredi infantry brigade |
| Size | 4,000 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Avinoam Emunah |
The Israeli Ministry of Defense says the unit is for single or married soldiers who wish to maintain their Haredi lifestyle and combine their religious studies with military service.
Recruits must undergo 8 months of training to join the brigade, which includes rifleman, stealth, open terrain warfare, and night operations training.[5]
See also
editSources
edit- ^ "IDF launches first ultra-Orthodox combat brigade". www.israelhayom.com. Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ^ Fabian, Emanuel (4 November 2024). "IDF chief updated on establishment of new brigade for ultra-Orthodox soldiers". The Times of Israel.
- ^ "חטיבת חשמונאים". M-O-D (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ^ זיתון, יואב; אלבז-אלוש, קורין (2024-11-04). "צה"ל: הלוי עודכן בסטטוס הקמת חטיבת חרדים, שתקלוט עד כ-4,000 חיילים". Ynet (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-09.
- ^ "חטיבת חשמונאים". M-O-D (in Hebrew). Retrieved 2024-11-09.