IDF: The Chief of the General Staff on Recruiting Ultra-Orthodox Soldiers: “This…

On the weekend (Friday), the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi held a situational assessment and tour in the central Gaza Strip, with the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman, the Commanding Officer of the 99th Division, BG Barak Hiram and other reserve commanders.

Attached is a video from the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff: https://we.tl/t-JBvsBm7I6V

Attached is a related video: https://we.tl/t-Bz8qbks0Ba

Attached are related photos: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC15063625

Attached are the full remarks of the Chief of the General Staff: “We want to expand the base as much as possible – of those who come to enlist, I tell you that there is an opportunity for change in the ultra-Orthodox community, (the base) is not broad enough, but there is a desire for change. We want to move forward, not because it’s nice, [but] first of all because it’s necessary. A battalion that we establish today, will hold a sector in the Jordan Valley, will hold a sector in Judea and Samaria, will hold a defensive position here. Every such battalion that we establish, an ultra-Orthodox battalion, decreases the need for the deployment of many thousands of reservists thanks to the mandatory service people.
And this is now a clear need, and so we strongly encourage it, and we want to do it right. We want to do it well. On the other hand, we talk to the people. It’s a privilege. We protect the country. Now, people do it, and I know it’s difficult, by the way it’s completely natural, for whoever have already spent eight months with few breaks. For people who are not home, who are reservists and (who need to balance it) with civilian life and work and family and all the surrounding things, we don’t take it for granted. On the other hand, we need this moving forward. I want you to know and say this, we are making a great effort to care for the conditions of our people.”