Female Tank Commander Defends Women’s Role in Israeli Armored Corps Amid Religious Opposition

Tal Leah Hadayo, a female tank commander who served during the October 7 attacks, spoke on 103fm about the integration of women in the Israeli Armored Corps and addressed criticism from religious Zionist rabbis opposing the move. Hadayo accused opponents of fearing women and attempting to silence female soldiers, stating that very few female tank operators have publicly spoken out, creating a narrative aimed at excluding women from combat roles. She emphasized that even if an all-female armored company were established, critics would still find reasons to object.

Regarding halachic restrictions that prevent religious soldiers from sharing a tank with women, Hadayo clarified that female tank crews have never shared tanks with men, even during combat inside Gaza, and the only interaction with male soldiers was in shared dining halls. She added that during combat, soldiers prioritize life-saving actions over prayer schedules and that all soldiers must be prepared to eat non-kosher food if necessary. Hadayo underscored that the shared goal of defending the country transcends religious or gender differences.

Reflecting on the events of October 7, Hadayo recounted the tense moments when her unit was rapidly mobilized after sirens sounded in her hometown of Rishon Lezion. She described receiving urgent messages from friends trapped at a festival and quickly alerting her company commander about the outbreak of war. The battalion commander ordered the tanks to move toward Gaza, and Hadayo described the journey as a "quiet ride into the unknown," filled with fear and uncertainty. She expressed hope for the safety and effectiveness of her soldiers during the intense combat that followed.

Hadayo’s testimony highlights both the operational realities faced by female combat soldiers and the cultural and religious challenges surrounding their integration into frontline armored units in the Israeli Defense Forces.