The Nahal Haredi: The god-fearing battalion of the IDF

Founded in 1999, the Nahal Haredi battalion is an Israeli Defense Force (IDF) unit that recruits ultraorthodox Jewish youth. Since its founding, Nahal Haredi's composition and role in ongoing security operations have changed. This article explores the relations that developed within the battalion as well as those between it and the top echelons of the IDF. It provides a case study of how the IDF addresses religious issues, examining problems of military command and control when faced with sectoral influences. In Israel's multicultural society, the IDF has traditionally sought integration and homogeneity. This research evaluates the risks and prospects for the ultraorthodox battalion, which by definition challenges the IDF's traditional integrative approach.