As Israel marks International Women’s Day on Sunday amid war with Iran, the Israel Defense Forces released new data showing the growing role of women across its combat forces and in the current conflict.
According to the army statement, women now make up about 20 percent of the IDF’s combat force and roughly 20 percent of reservists mobilized during the ongoing war.
“Also in this campaign, the operational reality is revealed in full force: female soldiers are crossing borders, operating precise fire, commanding forces in the field, and serving in intelligence, in the air, at sea, in cyber units, and in combat support roles,” Brig. Gen. Rosital Aviv, the Gender Affairs Adviser to the Chief of Staff, said in a written statement to The Press Service of Israel.
“Effectiveness on the battlefield is not a product of gender. It is the direct result of training, excellence, and commitment to the mission,” she added.