Israeli Air Force Launches Dedicated Combat Unit for Religious Women

The Israeli Air Force has announced the creation of a gender-specific combat unit for religious women within its newly established intervention unit, formed in response to the events of October 7. This initiative is in collaboration with the Maaminut BeMadim Institute, affiliated with the Or Torah Stone network, and aims to expand service tracks tailored for religious women in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The new unit, announced by the Air Force commander in February, seeks to increase female integration in combat roles and reflects lessons learned from recent security challenges. Similar gender-specific units have been introduced in the Combat Intelligence Corps, command centers in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, the northern command, and the Navy over the past two years.

Religious female soldiers in the new unit will undergo basic training and advanced courses including navigation, observation, and cooperation with Air Force squadrons before joining the operational fleet. The training program is set to begin in November 2026, with preparations currently underway to recruit and assign soldiers.

During their service, these women will receive support from female command staff and spiritual mentors to address their unique needs. The move responds to a growing demand for military service among graduates of the national-religious education system. Rabbi Ahad Taharlav, head of Maaminut BeMadim, noted that about half of these graduates choose military service over national service, emphasizing the need for dedicated units and spiritual support. He also stated the institute plans to promote similar units across other military branches to strengthen both the IDF and religious women soldiers.