The Hasmonean Brigade’s deployment deepens the debate over yeshivah draft exemptions, which is putting strain on Netanyahu’s coalition.
The Israel Defense Forces’ new Hasmonean Brigade made history on Sunday by becoming the first ultra-Orthodox unit to enter the Gaza Strip, according to Channel 12 reporter Amit Segal.
The unit joins the fight against Hamas amid a fierce debate over exempting Haredi yeshiva students from military service that is threatening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
The infantry brigade was established after the Supreme Court, sitting as the High Court of Justice, ruled on June 24, 2024, that “there is no legal framework that allows for a distinction between yeshivah students and others designated for military service.”