IDF chief: Integration of different communities in combat service must let one serve alongside another, not at its expense

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir spoke today, Thursday, at the Israel Defense Forces Employees Organization conference and addressed one of the most sensitive and volatile issues in Israeli society, the integration of different populations into military service, especially in combat units. In his remarks, the chief of staff sought to stress the army’s unique character and said: “The IDF is the people’s army, and for that reason it sees supreme importance in integrating all populations into its ranks, especially in the combat array.”

Zamir referred to the logistical and social challenge involved and added: “This complex integration will always be done in a way that allows one public to serve alongside another and not at its expense.”

The chief of staff’s statement comes at a time when the IDF is required to absorb and expand its combat manpower on an unprecedented scale, while the public debate over the burden-sharing issue is at its peak.