IDF Chief Puts Brakes on Female Infantry Training

Eyal Zamir, the IDF Chief of Staff, has decided to pause the current training cycle for women training to become infantry mobility soldiers. This decision comes after six months of training, based on findings presented by training staff and medical experts.

The data showed that the women performed exceptionally well in professional skills, matching the level of male soldiers in similar programs. But when it came to physical and combat fitness demands, the female soldiers still in the program were unlikely to meet the standards needed to qualify. Medical reports also raised concerns about potential health risks if the training continued, especially with the expected increase in physical intensity. As a result, the program was deemed ineffective and put on hold.

The program had strong support from IDF leadership, with medical teams, fitness experts, and trainers closely monitoring the female soldiers to give them the best shot at succeeding in this physically grueling course.

Zamir has ordered the IDF to plan a new, adjusted pilot program for female infantry soldiers next year, after reviewing what went wrong this time.

The women who joined this training will be reassigned to other roles in the IDF, either in combat or non-combat positions, depending on what they want. Their commanders praised their hard work and promised to find them meaningful new assignments.

The IDF issued a statement: “Women have been a vital part of the IDF since day one, helping us achieve our mission. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to open more roles to women, especially in combat. Right now, over 90% of IDF positions are open to women, and about 20% of our combat recruits are women, making a huge impact on our operations.”