Some visitors to Israel first have to get used to seeing many soldiers in public spaces carrying their weapons. Even more unusual for some is the fact that many of them are women.
Areas of service in the past
Women in army uniforms have always been part of daily life in Israel. Even before 1948, women fought in the Haganah and Palmach. Most often they took on support roles, serving as medics or radio operators and maintaining communications. Only rarely did they take up arms.
After the founding of the Israel Defense Forces, their presence remained a given. But for a long time, their service stayed within clearly defined areas. They worked in offices, training, and medical services. They belonged to the army, but they were not at the center of combat operations.
Today, that is different. Women are now entrusted with other responsibilities as well.
For decades, the integration of women was a cautious, gradual process. Certain fields were opened, while others remained closed to them. Behind this were not only social...
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