Israeli Lawmaker Warns Women-in-Armor Pilot Could Split the Army

MK Ohad Tal, chairman of the Religious Zionism faction, argues that heads of yeshivot and pre-army academies are not acting against the IDF, but trying to preserve the “people’s army” model. His remarks come amid the IDF’s decision to integrate women as combat soldiers in the armored corps, a move that has prompted headlines accusing religious Zionist leaders of opposing the military or encouraging draft refusal.

Tal says the criticism is misplaced. He writes that heads of hesder yeshivot, elite yeshivot, and pre-military academies all support the IDF, and that religious Zionists serve in large numbers in active duty and reserve service across special units, engineering, armor, infantry, and intelligence. He says military service is seen in that community as a mission, a commandment, and an expression of love for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

According to Tal, those raising concerns are not seeking to weaken the army but to remain full partners in it. He says they want to warn about possible effects of women’s integration in armor, including pressure on one population at the expense of another, alienation of religious and traditional soldiers, and, over time, deeper fragmentation inside the military that could hurt operational readiness and Israel’s security. He adds that the IDF has always preserved a status quo that allows conscripts to maintain their beliefs.

Tal criticizes the chief of staff and senior commanders for not agreeing to meet with the religious leaders despite repeated requests. He says he will hold a special Knesset conference on Wednesday with yeshiva heads, academy heads, and public figures from across religious Zionism to stress that the IDF must remain above political disputes and that “one people, one army” should remain the guiding principle.