IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the training base of the "Hashmonaim" Brigade, where he was shown the fighters' training, its adaptation to the Haredi population, and the brigade's activities in the Gaza Strip. He spoke with the fighters and told them: "You are the proof that there is no contradiction between a Haredi lifestyle and service in the IDF. Whoever enlists as Haredi will remain Haredi." According to him, "We are doing everything to enable you to combine the world of Torah with the world of military action. Your integration within the IDF is something you should be proud of. In this sense, you should see yourselves as pioneers and trailblazers."