IDF chief halts mobility unit pilot program for female combat troops

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered a halt to a pilot program for female soldiers to serve in combat mobility units in the Ground Forces, citing their limited combat and physical fitness.

The primary mission of the mobility units is to deliver equipment and supplies to infantry forces operating in enemy territory. Other tasks include evacuating wounded soldiers, including under fire.

The decision was made after Zamir was presented with findings from the pilot program’s six months of training.

According to the IDF, the findings showed that female troops had “very high” abilities in “professional areas,” similar to those of men. However, in combat and physical fitness, the trainees were not expected to successfully complete the requirements for the profession.

The IDF states that medical data also indicates a possible health risk resulting from continued training, partly due to the expected increase in physical difficulty.

Therefore, the IDF says Zamir ordered a halt to the pilot program, and instead open a new pilot next year for female troops to serve in other infantry roles.

The female troops who began the mobility training in November 2024 will be dispersed among other units and serve in combat or noncombat roles, according to their choice.

In all, 34 female soldiers began the combat mobility training, although only 23 remained after six months.

The IDF has been increasingly opening up units for female conscripts, and the military says more than 90% of roles are currently open to women. Women comprise some 20% of combat troops, according to the IDF.