IDF Cancels Operational Driving Course for Female Reservists
Female reservists who were slated to attend an operational driving course in the IDF were informed two days prior to its commencement that their participation was canceled due to a new policy prohibiting women from enrolling. A document obtained by Ynet revealed that the course is now designated for "men only." One reservist expressed her frustration, stating, "When it was convenient to call women during the war, they knew how to call us, and now it's no longer suitable for them, we've become unwanted." She added that the requirements for the course, such as a specific profile and combat proficiency level, are attainable by female soldiers.
Another reservist, Sergeant Major (res.) Naama Tzadok, who completed the same course in February 2025 alongside male soldiers, recounted her experience. Initially, she was admitted due to a clerical error mistaking her for a man. When the battalion commander realized the intent to exclude her, he insisted she participate, stating, "There's no way you're not doing the course, we don't care, a woman can do it too." Tzadok noted that while she faced initial skepticism, she proved her capabilities, driving an armored personnel carrier and changing its tire, performing equally to her male counterparts.
Tzadok emphasized that while women may have physiological differences, they are capable of performing many roles, including operational driving. She criticized the IDF's decision, highlighting that women were integrated into such roles during the war out of necessity, but are now being excluded as the immediate pressure subsides. The IDF confirmed that women had participated in the course during the war due to operational needs but stated that the course is now returning to its original format for men. The military added that requests for female participation in the future would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Separately, the IDF is reportedly delaying a planned pilot program for integrating women into combat roles specializing in operational driving, which was initially scheduled to begin in November. Two months prior to the scheduled start, there is still no confirmation on whether this pilot will proceed.
