Women Soldiers in Tanks becomes Issue in Israel

Despite Israeli pride as a leader in gender equality in its armed forces, that equality for many has reached its limit with word that the armored corps is considering the deployment of women as crew members in battle tanks. The move would come as a result of pending legislation that would mandate the assignment of women to those roles in the military that are still not open to women, who even serve in combat roles. Local media is full of former tank commanders, officers and veterans of the armored corps who see the idea of putting men and women together in the closest of all quarters and in one of the most stressful of all situations as lunacy. Women already serve in the armored corps – as instructors – but not inside tanks in the field. Similarly, there are women assigned to the navy’s submarine corps but not as sailors on-board the vessels. Nevertheless, 80% of positions available in the Israel Defense Forces are fully integrated.