IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir responded to a letter from hesder yeshiva heads opposing the integration of women into the Armored Corps, saying the army is a 'people's army' that sees paramount importance in integrating all sectors, especially in combat roles. Zamir acknowledged the sensitivities and said he is confident the challenge will be overcome. The statement was reported by Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13 / Army Radio).
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir publicly addressed the controversy over integrating women into the IDF Armored Corps on Tuesday, responding to a letter sent by heads of hesder yeshivas that opposed the move. The yeshiva heads had expressed frustration that the military was dismissing their concerns, as reported by Channel 14 on June 10. Zamir, quoted by Moriah Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13 / Army Radio), stated that the IDF is a 'people's army' and views the integration of all sectors as paramount, particularly in combat roles. He emphasized that the integration would be carried out in a way that allows one public to serve alongside the other, not at its expense. Zamir acknowledged the sensitivities and balances required, expressing confidence that the challenge would be met. The response follows earlier reports that the Chief of Staff was reviewing the policy barring hesder students from serving in the Armored Corps, and a public call by Rabbi Yigal Levinstein urging candidates to avoid Sayeret Matkal over gender integration concerns. Zamir's statement signals his intent to push forward with integration despite opposition from religious-Zionist education streams.
2 developments
- DevelopingJournalist Itamar Fleishman: IDF chief must see the campaign being run on the army's back
- DevelopingIDF Chief of Staff Visits Gaza, Vows to Disarm Hamas
- DevelopingChief of Staff instructs IDF to prepare for offensive scenario against Iran amid talks
- ConfirmedIDF chief details criteria for women-in-Armored Corps pilot, rules out mixed-gender tank crews
Source and signal
- Internal intake