Chief of Staff Halevi: We're encouraging Haredi enlistment

Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi spoke with commanders in the south about the politically controversial question of drafting Haredim.

In his speech, Halevi said that "I am telling you that there is a chance for change also in Charedi society - not broad enough, but there's a desire for change. We want to go forward not because it's nice, first and foremost because we need to. A battalion we establish today, which holds a line in the Jordan Valley, holds a sector in Judea and Samaria, holds a defensive sector here."

"Every such regular, Charedi battalion which we are establishing reduces the tasks of many thousands of reservists ... and this is now a clear need, and therefore we are encouraging it, and we want to do it right. We want to do it in a good way. From the other side, speak with people. It's a privilege. We are protecting the state."