Female Combat Soldiers Ordered Off Lebanon Border Mission Amid Segregation Claims

A team of female combat soldiers was reportedly ordered to cease an operational mission on the Lebanese border and return to base, allegedly due to objections to women serving in the outpost. The soldiers stated that upon arriving at the outpost on Wednesday night to relieve another team, they were informed that religious soldiers at the base had requested segregation. Their designated area was separated by burlap sheets. Shortly after they began setting up their equipment, including a drone for their operational task, the brigade commander of the 769th Brigade arrived. According to the soldiers' account, he explained that female soldiers on missions should receive special treatment with appropriate accommodations, and that the current conditions were not in line with joint service orders. The team commander attempted to speak with him privately, but he initially continued the discussion in front of the female soldiers. Ultimately, an order came from a superior officer to halt the mission, dismantle their post, and return to base. The soldiers expressed a feeling that gender considerations overrode operational necessity. The IDF spokesperson declined to comment on the incident.