Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Shaul Mofaz announced at a ceremony on Sunday the formation of the army\'s first-ever hareidi religious battalion. Named \"Netzah Yehuda,\" the battalion is being formed from the Nahal Hareidi unit that was established three years ago. Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yehuda Duvdevani, who played an integral part in the formation of the Nahal unit, explained that he was almost brought to tears by the announcement. He said that a short time ago, no one would have dreamed that the army would have a hareidi battalion. For years, it was considered by almost all Hareidi religious circles taboo to join the army. The members of the new battalion are suited for combat, and the troops will be assigned to Israel\'s border with Jordan.
In other IDF news, Lt.-Gen. Mofaz announced a new program to increase the number of active combat soldiers in the IDF. Until now, soldiers who completed three years of mandatory service could sign on for an additional year only if they committed to being an officer or accepting one of several positions. Under the new plan, those who opt for additional service will automatically be accepted to a one-year standing army contract. The move will increase the size of the standing army and reduce the burden on army reservists. In addition, the new measure will cut costs. The monthly wage of soldiers on the program will be approximately 4,000 shekels ($900), as compared to 8,800 shekels ($2000) for reservists.
In other IDF news, Lt.-Gen. Mofaz announced a new program to increase the number of active combat soldiers in the IDF. Until now, soldiers who completed three years of mandatory service could sign on for an additional year only if they committed to being an officer or accepting one of several positions. Under the new plan, those who opt for additional service will automatically be accepted to a one-year standing army contract. The move will increase the size of the standing army and reduce the burden on army reservists. In addition, the new measure will cut costs. The monthly wage of soldiers on the program will be approximately 4,000 shekels ($900), as compared to 8,800 shekels ($2000) for reservists.