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Israel High Court Orders IDF to Open Combat Roles to Women

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Israel's High Court mandated that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must allow women to apply for all combat roles, including special forces.
The ruling followed a 2020 petition by female soldiers seeking front-line units.
IDF has seen more women in combat roles since October 7, 2023, including an all-female tank crew's 17-hour battle against Hamas, which could ease the staffing crisis as over 8,500 women served in combat roles by 2025.

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Story summary

Israel's High Court mandated that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) must allow women to apply for all combat roles, including special forces.
The ruling followed a 2020 petition by female soldiers seeking front-line units.
IDF has seen more women in combat roles since October 7, 2023, including an all-female tank crew's 17-hour battle against Hamas, which could ease the staffing crisis as over 8,500 women served in combat roles by 2025.