Israel deploys Ultra-Orthodox brigade in southern Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Israeli army announced on Thursday the deployment of the “Hashmonayim” Brigade in the security zone south of Syria, marking the first time the unit composed of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) soldiers has been stationed in the area.
In a statement, the army confirmed that infantry units from the brigade began field operations following a specialized training program. The program included localized inspections and intelligence gathering, which the army said aimed to “remove security threats” and ensure the safety of Israeli citizens, particularly residents of the occupied Golan Heights.
The statement added that the brigade will continue its activities in multiple areas, while providing arrangements that allow religious soldiers to maintain their lifestyle during military service.
This deployment comes days after the Israeli army announced, on December 28, 2024, the conclusion of the mission of Reserve Brigade 55 in Syria, following more than 100 days of continuous field operations in the region.
The Haredim represent one of the most religiously conservative currents within Israeli society. Their lifestyle is based on strict adherence to Torah teachings, with widespread rejection of Western modernity, including media, technology, and social integration. They often live in semi-closed communities.
For decades, the Haredi community was known for its refusal to serve in the military, citing religious reasons that view the army as a secular institution conflicting with Jewish law and threatening their doctrinal identity. This stance was historically supported by unwritten understandings known as the “status quo,” which granted exemptions from conscription to avoid confrontation with the state. However, evolving security conditions have brought the issue back into public debate.
Israeli official data highlights the growing recruitment crisis among the Haredim. According to “Kan Reshet Bet” radio, compliance with draft orders during the first third of 2025 did not exceed 20 percent, dropping to about 5 percent in the second third of the year.
By April 2025, only 994 recruits had joined service out of 10,000 summoned, prompting the army to issue thousands of arrest warrants against draft evaders. Authorities also activated “Order 12,” which imposes travel restrictions on those refusing conscription.
The deployment of the Hashmonayim Brigade signals a new phase in Israel’s military approach in southern Syria, following the withdrawal of reserve forces last week.