Female combat soldiers excluded from IDF driving course: "In the war they called us, now we have become unwanted"
Two days before the start of an operational driving course, female combat soldiers were informed it is now intended for "men only." One soldier whose participation was cancelled called the decision outrageous, noting that women were actively recruited during the war when their skills were needed.
Female combat soldiers in the reserves were scheduled to attend an operational driving course, but two days before the training began, they were informed that their participation was cancelled following a new restriction. A document obtained by ynet reveals that the course requirements now specify it is intended for "men only."
"Our battalion wanted us to go, but it was stopped two days before the course when the instruction sheet was updated to 'men only.' Only then did they contact us to say we could not come," said one of the soldiers. "It is outrageous and unfair. When it was convenient to call for women during the war, they knew how to call us, but now it doesn't suit them and we have become unwanted."
The summons instructions for the reserve course require a profile of 82 or higher, 03 rifleman qualification, and military and civilian licenses—criteria that many female combat soldiers meet.
"The skills required for the role do not exceed the ability of any female combat soldier in the field," claimed the reserve soldier, who has served for hundreds of days under Order 8.
"They thought I was a man"
Proof of women's ability to pass the course and perform the role is Sergeant (res.) Naama Tzadok. After serving in the Lions of the Jordan battalion, she continued in the reserves with a field medical company in the Gaza Strip.
"In February 2025, I completed the course alongside 30 combat soldiers. I got there because of a technical error—they thought I was a man. When the battalion commander understood they wanted to prevent me from attending, he insisted, saying: 'This girl has been in Gaza more than you can imagine,'" she told ynet.
According to Tzadok, she performed the role in the field just like her male counterparts. "Like any man, I managed to lift the Hummer and change its wheels. To claim a woman cannot do these tasks is a mistake. Most people who say this simply haven't been in the field or in the army."
The IDF confirmed that women were included in the course throughout the war due to operational necessity, but stated they have now decided to return to a men-only format. The IDF Spokesperson added that in individual cases where training is required, requests will be examined and individual approval may be granted.
Regarding the broader exclusion of women from combat roles, the IDF previously halted an experiment integrating women as infantry combat soldiers specializing in operational driving. A new pilot project was slated for this November, but with the date approaching, the army has yet to confirm if it will proceed.
