The Netzach Yehudah regiment of the Kfir Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, formerly known as the Nachal Hareidi, is not only celebrating Chanukah, but also the 10th anniversary of its founding. The regiment mixes normal army routine with a strict schedule of prayer and Torah study, as well as food whose kashruti is supervised by a hareidi-religious rabbi. After two years of service, the soldiers qualify for a year of learning paid for by the IDF.
The regiment made a name for itself, stopping terrorists in the Jordan Valley until two years ago, when it was relocated. Its commander, whose headquarters are in the heart of Samaria, told Arutz Sheva this week that his men men would not refuse an order. He noted that they have not been given orders to remove Jews from their homes. He said the signs displayed by Shimshon and Nachshon regiment soldiers caused harm to the community of kippah-wearing soldiers, and denied reports that his soldiers were forced to raise their shirts in a search for signs at a recent regimental event.