Women in the Israeli Army Essays -- Military Science, Egalitarianism

Women have always played a very integral role in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), since its inception in 1948 shortly after the declaration of the State of Israel. The IDF is regarded as one of the most well trained armed forces in the world thanks in part to the progressive changes in the military with regards to equality for women. Historically, at the ground roots of the IDF, women were held back from combat and served mostly in a variety of support duties under the command of Chen (Women’s Army Corps). These support duties were extremely important to the functioning of the IDF, but did not satisfy those women who wanted a more active front line role. The aftermath of the Yom Kippur war in 1973 initiated a great change in military thinking for women in the IDF. The increased need for ground forces allowed women to enter selected operational divisions in the military, but still excluded them from participation in any combat roles. In spite of the new recognition that wo men played in the military after 1973, further equality was slow to come. Finally, in January of 2000 after a Supreme Court battle led by Allice Miller a few years earlier, the Equality amendment to the Military Service Law was implemented. Thus, allowing women the opportunity to volunteer in combat support and light combat roles. The Prime Minister of the State of Israel had a vision to equalize the role of women and men from active combat roles in the IDF. On May 31st, 1948 following the establishment of the State of Israel, the cabinet of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion officially created the IDF, and declared it as the country’s army. It then became official that women between the ages of 18-24, single or married, without children had to join th... ...//www.idf.il/1283-9679-en/Dover.aspx>. "The Israeli Air Force." The Israeli Air Force. 28 Dec. 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2011. . "Israeli Army Celebrates First-Ever Female Major General." Israeli Defence Forces, 23 June 2011. Web. 5 Dec. 2011. . "Israeli Women in the Military." Women's Rights. The Israel Project. Web. 5 Dec. 2011. . Izraeli, Dafna Nundi. "Israel Defense Forces." Jewish Women's Archive. 1 Mar. 2009. Web. 11 Dec. 2011. . "Women in the IDF." Krav Maga - Israeli Krav International. Web. 10 Dec. 2011. .