Senior Religious Zionist Rabbi Opposes Mixed-Gender Military Service in IDF Tanks

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, a senior figure in Religious Zionism and former chief rabbi of Ramat Gan, has strongly criticized the Israeli Defense Forces' policy of mixed-gender service. He argued that men and women should not serve together in the same military units, particularly in close quarters such as tanks or armored personnel carriers, citing concerns over operational effectiveness and national security. Rabbi Ariel emphasized that this issue transcends religious communities and affects the entire military, stating, "It is impossible for a man and a woman to be in the same tank or armored vehicle. This phenomenon harms security, the army, and the real need for soldiers." He called for a clear separation between male and female soldiers and urged participation in protests to preserve the army's security focus.

His remarks came ahead of a gathering of rabbis and public figures addressing the mixed-gender service issue. Organizers warned of numerous violations of the mixed-gender service regulations in recent years, expressing concern over the blurring of gender separation and the impact on soldiers who observe religious law. They claimed that the mixed-gender service order is not fully enforced.

In contrast, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, in discussions with Religious Zionist rabbis, highlighted the "immense operational importance" of integrating female combatants. He clarified that expanding roles for women will be based on operational needs and professional criteria, fully aligned with the mixed-gender service regulations in both routine and emergency situations. Zamir also noted that the planned pilot program involves an all-female armored platoon, not mixed-gender crews within the same tank.