America News Agency

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) held a high-level preparatory meeting to assess a planned pilot program for women serving in armored maneuver units.

According to the IDF statement, the meeting was chaired by Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, with the participation of Ground Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan and other senior commanders.

The meeting examined details of the pilot program for women serving in armored maneuver units. Chief of Staff Zamir emphasized the need for every fighter under current security conditions and operational requirements, praising the determination, professionalism, and motivation of female soldiers in combat roles.

The statement said the success of the program will be evaluated based on two main criteria: first, that female personnel reach the required professional competence level without compromising operational standards, and second, the formation of an operational unit capable of security and combat missions after full training.

The IDF also stated that there are no plans to integrate women and men together in tank crews, either in training or operational duties. If successful, female soldiers will serve within a separately established framework at least at the level of a tactical unit.

Chief of Staff Zamir also stressed the importance of maintaining the physical health of soldiers during training, noting that high injury rates in previous pilot programs were unacceptable.

The IDF said the evaluation process will be conducted according to defined criteria and the program will be shaped before the November recruitment period.