Reservist Rabbis’ Protest Over Women in Combat Reopens Tensions Between Halacha and Army Orders

A dispute over women serving in combat roles, especially in the Armored Corps, has revived the long-running tension between religious law and Israel Defense Forces orders. In a discussion on the morning TV program "World of the Morning," commentator Israel Cohen said the ultra-Orthodox religious Zionist, or Hardal, camp sees mixed-gender combat service as a strict, uncompromising halachic ban. "For them, just as it is forbidden to eat meat with milk, just as it is forbidden to eat pork, it is also forbidden to serve together because of the laws of physical contact," he said.

The religious position drew sharp backlash and exhaustion, particularly after women fighters’ proven contribution since the October 7 attacks. Communications adviser Tami Shinkman said the struggle is not new and described a costly past campaign run by religious Zionist figures to "make sure women do not enlist in the IDF, not in combat units." She said she had warned them the effort would backfire, telling them, "If you want to destroy yourselves so women will rush to the army and go serve, you should keep your mouths shut. They did not listen to me."

Reserve Lt. Col. Dr. Shai Har-Zvi expressed anger at the very fact that the issue was still being debated. "I think it is a disgrace to the State of Israel that in 2026, after the last three years we have been through, this is still even on the agenda," he said. Reserve Staff Sgt. Paran Raz, a fighter and commander in a search-and-rescue unit, then illustrated the gap between the rabbis’ sweeping objections and reality on the ground.

Raz said she received full support from her religious family and community, directly contradicting the assumption that observant circles uniformly oppose women in combat. Asked about her family’s backing, she replied, "100% supportive, I have an amazing family, the best in the world, and an amazing community. Of course they agreed." Her account suggested that, לפחות in some communities, support for female fighters is already a fact.