Over twenty female soldiers serving as “observers” asked to be reassigned. The IDF announced it would accept their request.
According to army data, 255 female observers are currently deployed, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Recruiting female observers has proven typically challenging for the army, but personal conversations and encouragement from commanders typically resolve the issue.
Increased motivation
Inbar, one soldier serving as an observer, highlighted that the attack by Hamas on October 7 has increased her determination to fulfill her role.
"Thinking about what happened motivates me to sit in front of a screen and uncover intricate details, thereby thwarting potential threats,” he said.
“At the beginning, I wasn't particularly inclined to join this role, but during the war, I realized that despite the difficulties, this position holds immense importance," echoed Rotem.
Soldiers to serve in the position of observers are currently very much in need, according to the IDF.
"Although we are aware of the concerns, we need the reservists and they need us now more than ever to fulfill our mission – protecting the state," said Lt. Ofir, a training officer for observers.
After such a high number of IDF soldiers were killed, injured or kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel, the army is drafting an increasing number of female reservists.