Rabbi Backs Soldiers Refusing Mixed-Gender Armored Vehicle Duty

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, the chief rabbi of Safed, has publicly supported soldiers from the Givati Brigade's Rotem Battalion who faced disciplinary action, including imprisonment, for refusing to board an armored personnel carrier (APC) because a female paramedic was inside. Rabbi Eliyahu spoke with the soldiers, expressing pride in their adherence to their principles and stating that their stance strengthens the IDF's moral and operational standards.

He argued that placing a female medic in a cramped APC compromises combat effectiveness, religious values, and the integration of Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) soldiers. "The entry of a paramedic into an APC is an easy solution that harms combat, harms the dignity of male and female soldiers, and harms the future of the IDF and the integration of the Haredim," Rabbi Eliyahu stated, emphasizing that such close quarters negatively impact modesty and operational focus.

Rabbi Eliyahu indicated that this position has been communicated to senior defense officials. He believes the soldiers' actions have a broader positive impact, protecting many religious soldiers and preventing harm to the modesty of female soldiers placed in similar situations.

The Hesder Yeshivas Association Council also issued a statement supporting the soldiers, framing the incident as a result of ongoing systemic failures regarding the integration of men and women in combat units. They cited long-standing concerns about violations of joint service regulations and a lack of consideration for the religious and spiritual world of Torah-observant soldiers.

The council called for greater trust between commanders and soldiers, urging the military to address the underlying issues, including a reported "crisis of faith" between the soldiers and their direct command due to perceived disregard for religious observance and regulations. They suggested the severe punishment for the soldiers was disproportionate given the complex circumstances and the broader context of systemic challenges.