From the Liveblog of
Thursday, June 4, 2026
In first, female IDF combat soldier completes training for elite Sayeret Matkal unit
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
In a first, a female combat soldier has completed training in the military’s elite Sayeret Matkal unit, the IDF announces.
The pilot program for women to serve in Sayeret Matkal began in December 2024, as part of efforts by the IDF to open up more roles for female fighters.
One servicewoman who passed preliminary screenings and “met the required criteria,” today completed a “training track specifically designed for her, which lasted more than a year and a half,” the IDF says.
The soldier will soon be integrated into the unit’s operational activities, in accordance with “operational needs” and subject to the IDF’s protocols on men and women serving together.
The IDF says it “congratulates the soldier on her significant and groundbreaking achievement.”
The army has insisted that it is allowing more women to serve in combat positions out of practical considerations, not due to a progressive social agenda.
“At this time, maximizing the service potential of male and female soldiers from all sectors and populations is an imperative, and the IDF will continue to work toward this goal,” the military adds.
The Times of Israel Community.