About Half the Public Says Mixed-Gender Tank Crews Harm Operational Capability

Photo: IDF Spokesperson

About half the public says mixed service of men and women in a tank harms ability

Yitzhak Abuhatsira, 2 minutes ago

44% of respondents in a News 14 poll believe mixed tank crews of men and women harm the IDF’s operational capabilities. 29% think the combination actually helps combat, and 27% believe it has no effect. The data are being published amid the public debate over integrating female combat soldiers into the armored corps and a letter from heads of hesder yeshivas opposing the move.

News 14 poll: The issue of mixed service in the IDF was tested in a News 14 poll that examined whether a tank crew made up of men and women helps or harms operational capabilities. The data show that 44% of the public believe this integration hurts combat. By contrast, 29% of those surveyed believe gender integration in tanks helps combat, while 27% say mixed service has no effect on the quality of combat.

Photo: Yonatan Zindel, Flash 90

Earlier today, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir referred for the first time to the letter from hesder yeshiva heads against integrating female combat soldiers in the armored corps, and clarified that the IDF is committed to preserving the needs of the religious public. According to him, integrating all populations will be done "alongside and not at the expense of" other populations. "We have no other alternative," he stressed.

The poll, conducted by NEXT DATA with 771 adults from across the population, was carried out today, June 11, 2026. Data analysis: Shlomo Filber.

Eyal Zamir, women’s enlistment, armored corps, tank, News 14 poll