For the first time in Israeli military history, soldiers have been granted approval to grow beards without the need for a special permit.

According to a new regulation in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), as long as the beard is in line with an appropriate military appearance and meets the criteria specified in the regulations, all soldiers will be allowed to grow beards regardless of their religious identity.

The Torat Lehima organization, stating that “IDF is a Jewish army,” said, “After years of relentless struggle, under the leadership of our tireless colleague MK Keti Shitrit and with divine help, we have managed to make a historic and significant correction that will put an end to the strange oppression faced by soldiers who wish to grow beards.”

The change in the regulations came at a time described by the organization as the “identity of the Independence War and the enemies of the Jewish people.”

Torat Lehima continued, “From now on, the beard will be considered an integral part of the Israeli soldier’s identity without the need for the usual special checks or approvals.”