Netanyahu Visits Haredi Soldiers in Lebanon Amid Controversy Over Female Troops' Exclusion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Haredi soldiers in Lebanon on July 1, 2026, during a meeting with troops from the Heshmonaim Brigade. During the visit, female artillery soldiers were instructed to remain in a separate room and were not allowed to enter the area where Netanyahu met with the Haredi soldiers. The Haredi soldiers were assured they would not see any female soldiers during the meeting. The female soldiers, part of the artillery battery, were told to stay away from the location of the visit.

The visit included soldiers from various units operating in Lebanon, and Netanyahu also met with two female soldiers during his time there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated that the gathering was not properly planned considering the conditions at the battalion headquarters in enemy territory and that the incident would be investigated. This event raised concerns about gender segregation and operational planning during official military visits.

The IDF emphasized that the visit was intended to include soldiers from different units, but the exclusion of female soldiers from the meeting area with the Haredi troops was notable. The investigation will seek to clarify the circumstances and ensure proper protocols are followed in future visits.