Pre-Military Academy Head Claims IDF Fears Radical Feminists Over Gender Integration

Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, head of the pre-military academy "Bnei David" in Eli, accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of being terrified of "radical feminists," particularly regarding gender integration in combat units. He made these remarks at an emergency conference organized by the "Az Banamar" headquarters and the "Chotam" organization in Jerusalem, attended by hundreds of yeshiva and pre-military academy leaders, reservists, and security service candidates. The event focused on the IDF's resilience and the contentious issue of mixed-gender service, especially opposition from religious Zionist rabbis to women serving in armored combat roles.

Levinstein criticized the military for prioritizing gender integration over victory, stating, "This is complete madness. The system has lost its way because they don't care about winning, they care about mixing." He asserted that no IDF commanders or generals have the courage to confront these feminists. He emphasized that while the IDF is brave against enemies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, it is uniquely fearful of radical feminists and the Women’s Corps (Yohelam), fleeing rather than confronting them. Levinstein acknowledged the backing these groups receive from the Israeli Supreme Court but insisted the military's fear exists independently of judicial support.