Military Service: Sons of Minsters Eliyahu and Smotrich Called to Serve in Israel's Defense Forces (IDF)
Notable Israeli Ministers' Sons Inducted into Givati Brigade
In August 2025, several prominent Israeli figures, including the sons of Ministers Amihai Eliyahu and Bezalel Smotrich, were inducted into the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) Givati Brigade at the Tel Hashomer induction center [1]. This significant event showcases the intertwining of religious, national, and political commitments within influential Israeli families, reflecting a broader cultural and political significance.
Background and Significance
The induction of these recruits underscores the prevalence of religious Zionism, where many youths combine Torah study with military service. This approach, known as the Hesder program, is exemplified by both Nave Eliyahu, the son of Minister Eliyahu who studied at the yeshiva in Beit She'an before enlisting in the Givati Brigade [1], and Benaya Smotrich, who spent four years at the Beit El yeshiva before joining the Givati Brigade as part of the national religious yeshiva program [1].
Givati Brigade's Role and Context
The Givati Brigade has played a crucial role in ground operations in Gaza since late 2023, participating in major offensives and raids as part of the broader conflict with Hamas and related security challenges [3][4]. The brigade's experiences underscore the harsh and critical nature of their missions, adding gravity to the service of these recruits.
Symbolic and Political Messaging
The sponsorship and acknowledgment by ministers of their sons’ military service send a powerful message about leadership participation and solidarity in national defense, especially amid ongoing intense conflict. It exemplifies how members of Israel’s political elite and religious communities are directly involved in military efforts, symbolizing unity and shared sacrifice amid crisis [1].
During his visit to the Tel Hashomer induction center, Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed his pride in the new Givati soldiers, noting their inspiring determination [2]. Minister Eliyahu, too, expressed pride at the base, stating that his son's induction was a day of personal, family, and national pride [5]. Rabbi Haggai Lundin, head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Holon and teacher at the Yeshiva in Sderot, was present as his son David joined the Givati Brigade, making David the second Lundin son to do so [6].
The induction of these notable recruits into the Givati Brigade illustrates the close ties between religious Zionism, political leadership, and military service in Israel. It carries strong symbolic weight relating to national unity, the religious-national ethos of service, and public messaging during a period of war and heightened security challenges [1][3][4].
References: [1] Haaretz. (2025, August 1). Sons of Israeli ministers join Givati Brigade amid intense conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.aspx/article-sons-of-israeli-ministers-join-givati-brigade-amid-intense-conflict-1.9728958 [2] Ynet News. (2025, August 1). Defense Minister Katz visits Tel Hashomer induction center. [online] Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5242660,00.html [3] Times of Israel. (2025, August 1). Givati Brigade soldiers inducted amid ongoing conflict. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/givati-brigade-soldiers-inducted-amid-ongoing-conflict/ [4] Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 1). Givati Brigade soldiers join IDF in time of crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel/givati-brigade-soldiers-join-idf-in-time-of-crisis-664911 [5] Israel Hayom. (2025, August 1). Minister Eliyahu expresses pride at base as son Nave enlists. [online] Available at: https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/08/01/minister-eliyahu-expresses-pride-at-base-as-son-nave-enlists/ [6] The Jerusalem Post. (2025, August 1). Rabbi Lundin blesses his son David as he enlists in Givati Brigade. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/rabbi-lundin-blesses-his-son-david-as-he-enlists-in-givati-brigade-664912
The induction of the sons of Ministers Amihai Eliyahu and Bezalel Smotrich into the Givati Brigade signifies the intersection of politics, religion, and national service within influential Israeli circles. This event serves as a demonstration of political affiliation and support for Israel's military efforts.
The symbolic and political messaging conveyed through the enlistment of notable figures' sons underscores the commitment of political leaders and religious communities to Israel's broader security and defense strategies.
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