General Lieutenant Herzl Halevi Photo: IDF Press Office
At the graduation ceremony at the National Security College on Wednesday, July 10, General Lieutenant Herzl Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the IDF, expressed his opinion on establishing a Jewish religious school (yeshiva) in the Jordan Valley. This initiative proposes that students simultaneously study Torah and secure the borders.
“We must share the responsibility for ensuring the future of the State of Israel,” Halevi noted. “We need to consider the changes that will occur in society and the economy when ultra-Orthodox Jews begin to serve in the army.”
This initiative was in response to Defense Minister Yoav Galant’s decision to send draft notices to ultra-Orthodox Jews in July, which sparked protests from influential rabbis but opened the way for decisive steps in relations between the army and religious groups.
In his speech, Halevi also addressed the situation on the northern border with Iran and Hezbollah, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the region. “We are fully determined to restore stability to the northern front and push the enemy away from our borders,” he stressed.
In conclusion, Halevi warned of the danger of internal divisions during war, calling for unity and solidarity across all sectors of society. “An agreement on the return of hostages has not only moral value, but also reflects the principles of a society where human life is the highest value,” he concluded.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant, also speaking at the ceremony, expressed hope for the successful conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal that would secure the return of captives through achieving Israel’s military objectives.
These steps reflect a strategic development in military-religious relations in Israel, which is crucial for ensuring national security and peace in the region.
Source: vesty
