The Shimon Battalion, the first reserve battalion established in the haredi Hashmonaim Brigade, completed its first battalion-level exercise in the Golan Heights last week, marking the completion of its formation and preparations for operational activity.

During the exercise, the battalion's soldiers trained for a range of combat scenarios, including operations in open terrain, raids and fighting in built-up areas. The battalion is expected to begin operating in the northern sector in the coming months, including during the upcoming holiday period, according to operational requirements.

The Shimon Battalion, designated as Battalion 1200, includes graduates of the Hashmonaim Brigade's reservist program who were drafted into the reserves after previously receiving exemptions from military service. It also includes haredi soldiers who transferred from other IDF frameworks.

As part of their preparation, the soldiers completed full combat training adapted to the haredi lifestyle at the Hashmonaim training base. The battalion is also expected to recruit graduates of the brigade's regular-service track in the next stage.

The soldiers completed specialized training in several fields, including explosives and sabotage, assault and evacuation tactics, drones, electronic and combat engineering, combat medicine and mortars. The courses were adapted to the soldiers' way of life while preparing them to operate together as an integrated battalion.

The IDF said that since the beginning of the war, dozens of new battalions have been established in both the regular and reserve forces as part of efforts to expand the military's ranks. The initiative is also intended to reduce the burden on existing reservists and regular-service soldiers