Rabbis Threaten Tank Unit Boycott over Women

The Israeli military has drawn opposition from rabbis over a planned pilot program to allow women to serve in tank units, The Times of Israel reported.

Leaders of 12 Hesder yeshivas said they would stop sending students to the Armored Corps if the integration of women went ahead. The Hesder program allows Orthodox men to combine religious study with military service.

The military said the plan would not involve mixed tank crews. Men and women would not serve in the same vehicles, and the pilot program would test separate male and female tank units.

The army says it urgently needs 12,000 recruits, mostly combat troops, after prolonged fighting placed heavy strain on its forces.

(mja)