Defense Minister Katz Orders IDF to Integrate Women Without Clashing With Religious Community

Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed in a briefing to Channel 7 that he instructed the IDF Chief of Staff to advance the integration of women in the Israeli military while avoiding any conflict with the religious public and their values. Katz emphasized his support for both women's service in the IDF and national service, noting that about 50% of religious Zionist women enlist. He highlighted his discussions with rabbis and expressed deep appreciation for the religious Zionist community's contributions and sacrifices. Katz stressed a clear boundary that must not be crossed: preventing clashes with the value system of the religious soldiers who make significant contributions. His directive to the military leadership is to find solutions that enable continued integration of women without harming the religious community or causing value-based conflicts. Katz reiterated that the mission is to promote women's service while fully respecting the religious soldiers' world of values, underscoring the importance of avoiding any confrontation.