Israel Deploys “Hashmonaim” Brigade Forces in Southern Syria

ARK News.. The Israeli military has announced the deployment of forces from the Hashmonaim Brigade—which includes soldiers from the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community—to the security zone in southern Syria, marking the brigade’s first-ever deployment in the area.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 1, 2026, the Israeli army said that infantry units from the brigade have begun carrying out field operations following a series of military training exercises. These activities included what the army described as “targeted search operations,” during which intelligence was gathered, allegedly aimed at eliminating security threats and ensuring the safety of Israeli civilians, particularly residents of the Golan Heights.

The statement added that the Hashmonaim Brigade will continue operating in “various arenas,” while emphasizing that arrangements are in place to allow Haredi soldiers to maintain their religious way of life during military service.

The deployment comes days after the Israeli army announced the conclusion of the mission of Reserve Brigade 55 in Syria, following more than 100 days of continuous field operations, marking the end of its activities in the area.

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