Israeli Heroines

The female contribution in combat following the murderous attack by Hamas has left an indelible imprint on the ethos of the IDF and the State of Israel

17/12/2023 10:58

Tags: Women ·  IDF ·  Religion and State Index

The Public Supports Inclusion of Female Soldiers in Combat Units

Just a few short months ago, there was still a public debate going on, including a pending ruling in the Supreme Court, regarding the inclusion of women in combat roles in the IDF. This war provided an unequivocal answer: female combatants on land, at sea, and in the air were called upon in real time and demonstrated their ability. They stormed, attacked, eliminated enemy forces and rescued those in need. The female contribution in combat following the murderous attack by Hamas has left an indelible imprint on the ethos of the IDF and the State of Israel and we hope that has left no room for further doubts.

According to Hiddush’s annual Religion and State Index, a large majority of the adult Jewish public in Israel (71%) support the inclusion of women in combat units and oppose succumbing to the pressures of those who are against their inclusion. 

A large majority of the adult Jewish public in Israel (71%) support the inclusion of women in combat units

MK Rothman’s position regarding women's service in the IDF (“Their service does not fulfillan operational need... their integration is harmful to the IDF, to the women and to the men who serve with them”) is far-fetched and shameful. He and his ultra-Orthodox colleagues must be excluded from Israeli governments! Rothman is not alone, but his remarks serve as a reminder of the danger of Rothman and his kind to a Jewish, egalitarian and democratic society in Israel. Rothman, Smotrich, Maoz, as well as all the ultra-Orthodox parties, strive to promote the vision of a halachic Torah State, in which there is no place for gender equality, pluralism, and other elements of democracy. A large majority of the Jewish public does not want to see them in a coalition, and certainly (at the very least) not in a position of extortion and influence on the Jewish character of the State of Israel.

The time has come for the next coalition (after the war) to be based on parties that accept the values of the Declaration of Independence.