Israel's IDF faces religious boycott of women in tank units

Several Hesder yeshivot, religious Jewish‑military academies in Israel, have boycotted a pilot program that would integrate women into IDF tank units. The NGO Forum Dvorah condemned the boycott, saying it hinders gender equality and inclusion within the Israel Defense Forces.

A group of 19 heads of religious pre‑military academies (mechinos) issued a joint statement urging their students not to serve in mixed‑gender units, joining a prior petition signed by more than 30 Hesder yeshiva leaders. The statement declares, "We, too, join the call of the Roshei Yeshivot and urge our talmidim to serve only in non‑mixed units."

The IDF reiterated that it will continue to operate under the Joint Service Order governing women’s integration, noting that "the army needs every male and female combat soldier" and that assignments will be based on operational needs. Officials expressed concern that the boycott could cost dozens of male combat soldiers each draft cycle for only a few female tank soldiers each year.