Female israeli soldiers

‘We're lone soldiers, but we're not lonely’: How the IDF supports fighters without families

“Olim (immigrant) soldiers who come from abroad to Israel do it purely out of a sense of Zionism and because they really want to take part in helping Israel and helping the IDF.”

Staff Sergeant Oren Metzuyanim, a 21-year-old lone soldier at the main rehearsal of the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 19, 2026.
FEMALE TANK CREWS are deployed along  the border as part of a pilot program to  assess whether or not to integrate  women into the IDF’s Armored Corps

IDF women's tank unit program to start in November, Zamir announces

JEWISH SETTLERS are seen at the unauthorized Beit Anot outpost in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank after being informed of an expected evacuation, June 1, 2026.

Three female soldiers wounded by settlers while clearing illegal West Bank outpost

Soldiers from an artillery unit stationed near the Israel-Lebanon border during the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah, March 15, 2026; illustrative.

In first, woman completes IDF Sayeret Matkal course, set to join operational service


On Remembrance Day, soldiers remember their fallen fathers

For these soldiers, whose fathers died serving Israel, their service in the IDF takes on a special meaning.

Eden Maman, head of human resources at Tel Nof Air Base, stands next to a life-size picture of her father, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Lebanon.

Forging ahead

Reuters correspondent Allyn Fisher-Ilan weighs in on the current challenges female journalists face today, and what needs to be done in order to move forward.

The Thompson-Reuters building in Canary-Wharf, London

Fierce, fighting and observant

Female combat soldiers are proving there is no conflict in serving one’s country and serving God.

Reut Cadari

Women’s military service not extended

Special Knesset committee votes not to extend female service by 4 months.

Female Border Police officers 370

IDF looks on with concern as 'people's army' model faces challenges

The military recognizes that Israeli society is undergoing natural and rapid changes, but it is keen on preserving the model of a people’s army and is worried that this concept is under threat.

An IDF soldier monitors the Israel-Lebanon border.

Knesset committee votes to shorten men's army service to 32 months

Opponents argue that bill could cause severe personnel shortages, forces need to extend females' service.

An IDF soldier monitors the Israel-Lebanon border.