IDF refutes reports that Hasmonean Brigade will bypass Memorial and Independence Day ceremonies

The IDF denies reports that the Haredi Hasmonean Brigade will skip national ceremonies. Troops in Lebanon and Jordan Valley will sing Hatikvah and honor the fallen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 8:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Contradicting Claims of Secular Exclusion

A burgeoning controversy surrounding the integration of ultra-Orthodox troops has been met with a firm denial from military leadership and religious founders. On Monday, April 20, 2026, the IDF formally rejected a Channel 13 report which suggested the Hasmonean Brigade would skip Memorial Day and Independence Day events to shield soldiers from "Zionist content." Military officials clarified that the brigade, which is currently engaged in active combat operations, remains fully integrated into the national calendar of remembrance and celebration.

Religious Adaptations for National Rites

While the brigade will participate in standard military protocols, certain adjustments have been implemented to respect the Haredi lifestyle. According to an associate of Rabbi David Leybel, the brigade's co-founder, the unit will host a dedicated ceremony featuring "songs of faith" alongside traditional Torah learning sessions dedicated to the memory of Israel's fallen soldiers. This approach aims to bridge the gap between national duty and religious observance, ensuring that the Haredi identity of the troops is preserved during state-wide commemorative events.

Saluting the Flag in the Jordan Valley

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit detailed specific plans for the Hasmonean Brigade’s primary training base in the Jordan Valley. The scheduled ceremony includes the customary saluting of the national flag, a reading of the order of the day, and a collective rendition of Hatikvah, the national anthem. By maintaining these core elements, the IDF intends to demonstrate that the Hasmonean Brigade operates under the same patriotic mandates as any other unit in the military hierarchy, despite the unique cultural considerations of its personnel.