The IDF will return an answer to the High Court of Justice tomorrow (Wednesday) regarding women's service. After a thorough examination, it was decided to open three specialization tracks for women in combat roles in 2024, and at the end of that year women will open experience in Sayeret Matkal. In addition, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy is expected to announce that recruitment of women will also begin to the 551st mobility unit in 2025. In addition, following the experience of female fighters in the Armored Corps in border defense, and in accordance with a conditional order of the Supreme Court, an attempt will be made to open the service to women in the offensive armor track, which maneuvers into enemy territory.
The IDF intends to create the right framework for recruiting female fighters to Sayeret Matkal, while the number of women who can serve in the unit is still being examined and criteria have not yet been set. The Armored Corps, whose pilot service will also begin in 2024, intends to create gender frameworks – a tank for women only.
The tanks in the Border Defense Corps, photo: Oren Cohen
The opening of these three experience tracks is a continuation of the two elite units 669 and Yahalam, which were opened several months ago for women's service. So far, 12 female soldiers and another female soldier serve in the 669th Brigade. However, the IDF understands that it is forbidden to launch an infinite number of pilots and that what decision makers should have in mind is purely professional and practical considerations.
The criteria set by the IDF for women entering these two units are considered particularly rigid – only women weighing 78 kg or more, who can do at least 10 repetitions of tension and run 3,000 meters in less than 14:50 minutes.
Women fighters in the IDF, photo: Oren Cohen
Statement of the Dvora Forum to the IDF's response to the Supreme Court to the High Court of Justice of the Patrols: "The Dvora Forum congratulates the Chief of Staff and the IDF on the decision to open more positions to women. We are sure that the excellent and motivated women who will join these units will contribute greatly to them.
At the same time, even this position does not comply with the language of the law, which states that women have an equal right to fill any role in military service, unless this is required by the nature and nature of the position.
The IDF is required to adopt the criteria for professional selection based on abilities, quality and requirements for the position, and not on gender. Only in this way will the manpower potential be maximized."
They added: "Today's news mainly concerns Sayeret Matkal, but many units and positions remain closed to young women who aspire to be fighters. Thus, the opportunity for women to reach senior positions in the IDF in the operational system and at the top decision-making ranks continues to be blocked. We strengthen the petitioners who, thanks to their determination, are paving the way for other women and we will continue to accompany them until the Supreme Court decides on this important petition."
Integration of female fighters into elite units || IDF Spokesperson
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