Rabbi David Fendel Warns of Historic Battle Over IDF's Character Amid Mixed-Gender Service Expansion

Rabbi David Fendel, head of the Sderot Yeshiva, cautions in an interview with Channel 7 that the expansion of mixed-gender service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) represents a broader historic struggle over the army's identity. He calls for updating the law to allow religious soldiers to serve without compromising Jewish law and urges strengthening the IDF Chief of Staff against external pressures. Amid public debate on increasing women's roles in combat and other units, Rabbi Fendel emphasizes that the challenge extends beyond the specific issue of armored corps integration, describing it as a conflict on the scale of the Ben-Gurion era.

Rabbi Fendel supports efforts by Hesder Yeshiva leaders who have met with the Chief of Staff to reach agreements, hoping these will provide solutions. He notes that the changes in the IDF involve not only the inclusion of women but also the scale and manner of integration, which he believes risks operational dangers and infringes on religious soldiers' rights. He highlights the growth of the Hesder Yeshiva, pre-military religious preparatory programs, and the traditional public, all seeking exemption from secular coercion.

While critical of the process, Rabbi Fendel does not blame the Chief of Staff, instead calling to bolster his position amid pressures from the Supreme Court and various organizations. He stresses that the opposition is not to women's service per se but to mixed-gender deployment in combat scenarios involving prolonged stays in enemy territory or confined spaces, citing halachic principles of modesty in military settings.

Rabbi Fendel points out that the concerns come primarily from religious soldiers and reservists who want to serve but find the current reality challenging. He distinguishes between personal respect for female soldiers' bravery and the halachic debate, emphasizing the need to find roles for women that do not conflict with the sanctity of the military camp.

Despite the controversy, Rabbi Fendel expresses optimism, noting the increasing number of Torah-observant soldiers serving with dedication and professionalism. He believes commanders recognize their added value and will find appropriate solutions, with religious soldiers serving joyfully and faithfully to Jewish law and the army's sanctity.