While the Israeli Chief of Staff in the Northern Command warned that "the battle against Hezbollah has only just begun," following the complete destruction of the Qaqaiya Bridge, Israeli media reported that, for the first time, the Hasmonean Brigade has begun operations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that "the Litani River must be the border between us and Lebanon."

He added, "Just as we control 55% of Gaza, we must do the same in Lebanon."

On Sunday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that his forces "will intensify targeted ground operations" in Lebanon and are preparing for "weeks of fighting" against Hezbollah.

What do we know about the Hasmonean Brigade?

• Fighters of the Hasmonean Brigade, under the Baram Division (300), have been operating in southern Lebanon in recent weeks, carrying out focused raids in several areas as part of an advanced defense effort, according to Israeli media.

• The Hasmonean Brigade (also known as Brigade 613) is a modern infantry unit in the Israeli army, established specifically to accommodate soldiers from ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, the Haredim.

• The brigade operates under the Education and Training Corps and its forces have participated in field operations in the West Bank, Gaza, southern Syria, and Lebanon.

Qasmiya Bridge (AFP).

Key Information About the Hasmonean Brigade

Formation and Purpose: It was established to accommodate Haredi Jews who were previously exempt from military service and is characterized by a religious Torah-based ethos.

Operational Activity: The Israeli army announced the deployment of its forces in the security zone in southern Syria for the first time at the beginning of 2026. The brigade has also participated in operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli plane (AFP).

Command: The brigade operates under the Education and Training Corps and aims to integrate religious soldiers into combat roles.

Context: Its establishment comes as part of efforts to increase the number of Haredi fighters in the Israeli army.

It is worth noting that the name “Hasmonean” refers to the ancient Hasmonean dynasty that once ruled the Kingdom of Judah.