Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleWelcome to The Times of Israel’s newest podcast series, Friday Focus. Each Friday, join diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman and host deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan for a deep dive into what’s behind the news that spins the globe. This week, political correspondent Tal Schneider steps in for Berman.
Unforgettable images of the Caracal’s female tank unit crushing Hamas terrorists infiltrating southern Israel on October 7, 2023, brought home the realization that not only are women serving in the Israel Defense Forces, they’re as eager — and able — to fight as their brothers in arms.
Schneider describes a recent Knesset committee that discussed the phenomenon of the IDF’s growing number of women warriors, who now make up almost 21 percent of all fighting forces.
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We review the history of the challenges involved in having female fighters in the IDF — including several benchmark Supreme Court cases that paved the way for the next generation.
Schneider, who has spent the past several months researching the contribution these women warriors made on October 7, talks about where the army stands today — and what is on the horizon for other fighting units being opened up to women.
This conversation can also be viewed here:
Friday Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and the video was edited by Thomas Girsch.
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