A day after the publication of the letter from 12 Seder yeshivot heads, in which they announced that they would not send their students to serve in the Armored Corps if women were included, the IDF published an official response this evening (Wednesday) and sought to clarify the situation for the pilot in question.
The IDF spokesman's statement read:
""After two and a half years of an intense, multi-sectoral and unprecedented war, in which the IDF's operational missions were expanded, and the burden on the reserve force increased significantly - the IDF needs every fighter.
As the people's army, the IDF sees utmost importance in integrating all populations, while making a great effort to preserve their lifestyles and needs, in a way that does not harm one population at the expense of another.
The High Court did not instruct the IDF to recruit female fighters for the Armored Corps, but rather instructed it to carry out the planned pilot on the subject.
The IDF is working to integrate women into combat roles as much as possible. A pilot, as the name suggests, is an initial experience for further consideration. The pilot will be conducted in accordance with the Joint Service Order, while ensuring compliance with all required operational and professional standards, and in accordance with operational need.
Among the options being examined in the pilot, there is no alternative in which joint service of men and women would take place within the same framework. As of this time, the pilot has not yet reached the Chief of Staff's desk and the issue will be discussed in the near future.
In recent months, senior IDF officials have been in continuous contact with the heads of the Hesder yeshivot and their representatives, along with other elements in the national-religious public, in this context.
"The IDF appreciates and cherishes the contribution of all servicemen and women, including the Hesder yeshiva servicemen, to the security effort in all arenas.".
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