Israeli military launches new pilot scheme to train female combat soldiers after previous programme stalled

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has announced a new pilot programme to train women as infantry combat soldiers, following the suspension of an earlier initiative. The fresh scheme is set to begin in November, though with only four months until launch, key details of the programme remain unclear and unsettled between military officials.
The previous attempt to integrate women into the Infantry Corps’ operational driving specialisation was halted by the military, prompting a rethink of the approach. The new pilot represents another effort to expand women’s roles in frontline combat positions, an area where female participation remains limited within the IDF.
Prospective recruits for the new scheme are reportedly anxious to begin their training. One candidate, who has harboured ambitions of combat service since the age of 16 and has been training privately to prepare, expressed cautious optimism about the programme’s prospects. “There is hope that this will succeed,” she said. “I have been dreaming of this since I was 16 and have been training for it.”
The pilot programme comes amid broader discussions within the Israeli military about expanding opportunities for women in combat roles. However, the incomplete planning stage just months before the scheduled start date raises questions about the readiness of the initiative and whether adequate preparation will be in place for the inaugural cohort of participants.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.