IDF Female Soldiers Asked to Relocate During Netanyahu's Visit to Honor Ultra-Orthodox Troops in South Lebanon

During Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to southern Lebanon on the evening of April 23, a controversy arose after reports emerged that female IDF soldiers were ordered to move to a different room to accommodate ultra-Orthodox soldiers from the Hachshmonaim Brigade. The visit included meetings and photo sessions with commanders and soldiers, including those from the Hachshmonaim Brigade, who had arrived from another outpost.

According to a report by Roee Sharon on Kan 11, the mother of one of the artillery soldiers serving in southern Lebanon claimed that the female soldiers and their male counterparts prepared the building for the visit by cleaning and reinforcing it. However, four female soldiers were then required to leave the main room and stay on a lower floor for the duration of the visit to avoid being seen by the ultra-Orthodox troops. The mother stated that the soldiers were told this was to respect the religious sensitivities of the Hachshmonaim soldiers, who had requested not to see female soldiers during the visit.

The female soldiers reportedly remained separated for about four hours, confined to the lower floor. The IDF spokesperson responded that the gathering was not properly planned according to the conditions at the brigade headquarters in enemy territory and that the incident would be investigated.

Opposition figures quickly criticized the incident. Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Camp, condemned the decision, saying it showed disrespect to female soldiers who serve and risk their lives daily and emphasized that female soldiers are an integral part of Israel's security and should be celebrated.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding gender and religious accommodations within the IDF, especially during high-profile visits involving ultra-Orthodox units.