Report Raises Concerns Over Disproportionate Dismissals of Religious Trainees in Sayeret Matkal

A Channel 7 investigation says religious trainees are being dismissed from the Sayeret Matkal selection track at an unusually high rate, with some cases linked to sociometric evaluations. According to information received by the outlet, 10 of the 11 trainees removed in one round were religious, and nine of those dismissals were said to be based on sociometric assessments conducted during training.

The report cites several individual cases. One was a yeshiva graduate from southern Israel who now lives in the north and was reportedly dropped from the track only about two months before completion. The decision, the article says, came after a woman was assigned to the team in which he served. Another case involved the son of a yeshiva head from central Israel and a graduate of Yeshivat Shavei Hebron. He served in the unit, was named company outstanding soldier, and was praised by commanders, but was later dismissed after sociometric questionnaires completed by his teammates, where he was the only religious soldier. He is now serving in another elite unit.

The sociometric process, as described in the report, asks soldiers to evaluate their teammates. However, informed sources say the final decision on whether a trainee continues in the course is made by commanders, not by the questionnaires alone. They also say dismissed trainees are usually not given a full explanation for the decision, making it difficult for them to understand the reason or appeal it.

Those who support religious soldiers in elite units say the use of the sociometric tool and its impact on religious trainees, especially when they are a minority in the team, should be examined.