Female Combat Intelligence Soldiers Ordered Out of Post Due to Gender

A team of female combat intelligence soldiers was ordered to cease operational activity and leave a military post in the northern sector after objections were raised regarding their presence due to gender separation requirements, according to the soldiers' testimonies. The incident occurred last Wednesday night when the team arrived at the Tziporen outpost to replace another unit. They were informed by the departing team that religious soldiers were stationed at the post and requested separation. Shortly after setting up their position, the female soldiers were told to leave. The team commander initially contacted her company commander, who instructed them to remain and continue their mission. However, as they began operating a drone, the brigade rabbi arrived. He reportedly stated that female soldiers on missions should receive preferential treatment with designated accommodations, and that the conditions at the outpost did not align with joint service orders. The team commander's request for a private conversation was initially denied, with the rabbi continuing the discussion in front of the soldiers. Ultimately, an order came from a higher command level to halt the mission, dismantle the position, and return to base. The soldiers expressed a feeling that gender considerations superseded operational necessity. Former Knesset member Nira Shaphek has demanded the IDF investigate the incident and clarify how a female combat intelligence team could be forced to abandon a mission solely because they are women, questioning what lessons have been learned since October 7th. The report also noted a separate incident where a military post in the north was abandoned with significant military equipment, and 11 religious soldiers who refused to serve with a female soldier were released from prison.