This is How the IDF Works to Integrate Women Into the Army and Combat

Today, August 26th, is Women's Equality Day, a day intended to mark achievements in gender equality.

The IDF is working to introduce women into various roles in the army, including combat. Over the years, the IDF has taken groundbreaking steps to integrate women into a variety of formations that make up its ranks. Since 1995, many paths in combat have been opened up to women, allowing them to participate in the army's operational activities in the field — from the opening of a pilot course, to the opening of elite combat units a few months ago.

IDF Units That Have Been Opened to Women in the Last Thirty Years

• 1995 - Opening pilots' course to women
• 2000 - Artillery, establishment of infantry companies on the borders
• 2002 - Oketz Elite Canine Unit
• 2004 - Establishment of the "Caracal" battalion
• 2006 - Field intelligence fighters
• 2008 - Search and rescue fighters
• 2020 - Tank fighters
• 2024 - Unit 669 and "Yahalom"

The percentages of women in a combat unit also speak for themselves, it has moved from 7.2% women in a combat unit in 2015, to 21.2% in 2025.

At the same time, the recruitment for combat among women has increased 10-fold since 2012.
Behind every percentage are women who chose to enlist, to command, lead, and most importantly, to take part in the national mission.

From the words of the Chief of Staff's advisor on gender related matters, BG Rosital Aviv: "We are here to open doors - not just for talk, but for the sake of the IDF's operational efficiency. To prepare male and female commanders for integrated service, which respects the individual and the mission, to ensure that every soldier feels equal and protected - physically and mentally.”