Retired Brigadier General Erez Weiner Supports Women’s Service but Opposes Combat Role Integration in IDF

Retired Brigadier General Erez Weiner, chairman of the security movement "HaBitahonistim," expressed his support for women serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and holding significant roles, but firmly opposed their integration into maneuvering combat units. In an interview with Channel 7, Weiner emphasized that the military’s primary objective is victory, not equality, and that decisions should be based solely on professional criteria.

Weiner clarified that he does not oppose women serving altogether, stating, "I think it is important for women to serve, those who want to and can, and to contribute in the most significant roles." However, he stressed that this should not be conflated with placing women in frontline combat maneuver units, which he identified as the core of the controversy.

He accused ideological forces of driving the campaign to expand women’s combat roles, suggesting that these groups seek to create division and weaken the military system. According to Weiner, the debate is not religious but professional, with victory being the supreme value in the military. He criticized public and legal discourse on the issue and cited physiological and operational challenges, referencing his own writings and the U.S. military’s experience.

Weiner also highlighted difficulties related to mixed-gender service under prolonged combat conditions, arguing that such units should maintain strict separation. He concluded by reaffirming his stance that the IDF must prioritize operational effectiveness over social equality in combat roles.