IDF Chief of Staff Orders More Male Paramedics After Religious Soldiers Refuse Duty

In response to an incident where religious soldiers refused to participate in an operation alongside a female paramedic, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has ordered an increase in the number of male paramedics in the military. The directive aims to reduce dilemmas for religious and ultra-Orthodox soldiers.

According to Medical Corps data, women currently constitute over 70% of the IDF's paramedic corps, and they have received praise from senior officers. Halevi recently addressed students at a yeshiva in Yerucham, including soldiers who raised questions about serving alongside women. He emphasized that in life-saving operational scenarios, female paramedics and doctors have performed excellently, especially during the recent war.

The incident occurred two weeks ago with a force from the Givati Brigade's Rotem Battalion operating in Gaza. Soldiers were ordered to board an armored personnel carrier for a mission, but due to a lack of male paramedics, a female paramedic was assigned. Despite discussions with commanders and the brigade rabbi, the soldiers refused to board the APC, leading to the cancellation of the operation.

An investigation by the Givati Brigade commander resulted in disciplinary action. Five soldiers who led the refusal were sentenced to 10 days in military prison, and 11 others received 5-day sentences. Two of the five soldiers sentenced to 10 days will undergo an evaluation committee before returning to combat. The IDF stated that the punishments were determined by the extent of each soldier's involvement.