IDF Investigates After Three Soldiers Refuse Combat Duty with Female Paramedic in Gaza

The IDF spokesperson addressed an unusual incident involving three soldiers from the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade who refused to participate in a combat patrol in a Nemmer armored vehicle in Gaza after learning a female paramedic was present. The refusal led to the cancellation of the operation. According to the IDF, soldiers with religious lifestyles are entitled to serve in gender-segregated combat roles except in exceptional cases, but in this instance, the unit declined to proceed with the mission. The incident is under investigation, and command measures will be taken based on the findings.

Following the refusal, all soldiers in the platoon, which consists of yeshiva students, were collectively punished with a 21-day restriction. Attempts to find other soldiers willing to ride in the vehicle with the paramedic reportedly failed. The IDF is also considering more severe disciplinary actions against the three soldiers, including removal from combat roles. The soldiers claimed they acted according to instructions from their rabbis.

Reports indicate that Rabbi Zvi Kostiner of Mitzpe Ramon Yeshiva and Rabbi Shlomo Shoshan of Beit She'an Yeshiva, whose students serve in the platoon, instructed their students not to board combat vehicles with a female paramedic present. The incident has sparked controversy within the Rotem Battalion and the IDF continues to evaluate appropriate responses.