IDF Faces Debate Over Mixed-Gender Combat Units

Officials have stated that the military cannot forgo the service of either women or religious soldiers in combat positions. Extremist rabbis have called for women to be removed from the IDF or reassigned to noncombat roles. At the same time, some groups have demanded that religious soldiers' beliefs be disregarded and that mixed-gender service be imposed across all units.

Since 1995, when a petition was filed with the High Court of Justice to allow women to try out for air force pilot training, the IDF has expanded women's service. Today, women serve in nearly all positions, including special units and the Armored Corps.

Integration has proven easier in Home Front Command units than in tactical and special forces units. Sustained close contact between men and women during physically intense service has created challenges beyond religious considerations.

The High Court recently ruled in the Kliger case that the IDF must accelerate integration of women into the Armored Corps. Several rabbis responded by announcing they would instruct their students not to serve in those units if the changes proceed. The moderate Tzohar organization called for dialogue between the army and rabbis.

The group faced criticism from politicians and online influencers for its position. The IDF developed the Joint Service Order in 2016 through discussions with rabbis and women's organizations. Officials have stated that dialogue and carefully designed service arrangements remain the approach that allows both women and religious soldiers to serve without violating their values.