Inside Nahal Haredi

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What does Netzah Yehuda do? Netzah Yehuda is one of six battalions that form the Kfir Brigade (Lion Cub Brigade) of the IDF Central Command infantry division, a brigade that specializes in counter-terrorism and urban combat. Maneuvers include counter-terror operations, apprehension of Palestinian terrorists, patrols, manning checkpoints and regular security activities.

In the beginning of the second Intifada in 2000, many terrorists fled Shechem to villages in the Jordan valley. Stationed in the Jordan Valley since its inception, Netzah Yehuda was responsible for the protection of Jewish communities in the area. The battalion was then moved to Jenin, where it operates from two army camps close to the yishuvim of Mevo Dotan and Hermeish. A few years later, the battalion was assigned an additional sector: Tulkarem. To control this area, it operates from two additional camps: one close to the yishuv of Avnei Chefetz and the second known simply as Post 105. In all, the area is populated with over 400,000 Arabs and tens upon tens of threatening villages. “We are the only battalion responsible for two population areas,” says Rav Klebanow with quiet pride. Netzah Yehuda soldiers are trained to act on information gained from intelligence and move into Arab areas to arrest terrorists. Brought to new heights of professionalism by Commander Lt. Col. Telem Chazanin 2012-2014, Netzah Yehuda achieved the highest number of terrorist arrests.

Netzah Yehuda is no stranger to awards. In 2013, the battalion received the IDF’s award for excellence from the department of technology and logistics after attaining a unit grade of 99 out of 100 on a series of surprise tests. In addition, the battalion received an award from the Senior Commander for Infantry troops for excellence in maintaining security in the unit’s training sector, as well as awards for safety and education. To top it all, the battalion received the most coveted Chief of Staff’s prize for creativity and exceptional combat campaign achievements. An impressive array that proves that high religious observance is indeed compatible with military acumen.

As a combat unit, recruits into Netzah Yehuda must meet a high profile. Since 2011, seven tracks have been opened for charedi soldiers who do not meet this profile. Recruits are trained in fifteen bases in the Air Force and the Field Artillery Corps, and a variety of technical and engineering fields. “Since these units are based within a regular army camp, the high hermetic conditions of Netzah Yehuda are harder to control,” admits Rav Klebanow. “The army is a complex and dynamic system. Staff turns over every two years and new commanders come in with different demands. We keep our fingers on the pulse to ensure that our standards are met.” Then he reaches for a new 30-page document drawn up this year. The document is another step taken to ensure that the guidelines of Netzah Yehuda are upheld all over.

An Inside View “When you’re drafted, you start a new life,” says Moshe Lifshitz, project manager of alumni affairs. “Recruits with a zero level of confidence are given the chance to develop skills that weren’t honed before, like being a good friend and straining to become fit. As the recruit takes on responsibilities, his confidence soars.” Moshe pauses. “Here, I’ve met the shunned street kid who everyone avoided. Netzah Yehuda turned him round: a few years later, parents who had warned their kids to stay clear of him were asking him how to handle their wayward kids!” Another boy, who came from a broken home, was able to step into his father’s shoes once his success at Netzah Yehuda helped him regain the confidence he had lost. Suddenly his mother had a helping hand. “Israel can never afford to lose a war,” says Moshe. “Soldiers know that all of Israel is behind them and this gives them the tremendous push needed to succeed.”