Female IDF officer denied entry to Haredi military base because of gender, IDF says
Haredi soldiers denied a female logistics officer entry to a Mount Hermon military base because of her gender, despite IDF regulations allowing professional personnel access.
A female IDF logistics officer was denied entry to a Haredi military outpost on Mount Hermon due to her gender, according to a report by Kan News on Tuesday evening. The officer, who arrived with civilian contractors to assist with winter preparations, including fuel storage tank maintenance, was turned away from the base despite contractors being granted entry.
The IDF clarified that the restriction applies to entering the outpost, but not to outside areas where the fuel tanks are located. This incident, which occurred days before Israel's October 27 elections, highlights the ongoing contentious issue of Haredi military enlistment. The Hashmonaim Brigade, established in June 2025, follows the David track, requiring all personnel to be observant Jews, but the IDF maintains that this restriction does not extend to outside personnel performing professional duties.
Democratic candidate Moran Zer Katzenstein condemned the incident, warning of growing extremism and the potential threat to women's military service. She emphasized that the exclusion of a female IDF officer is not in line with Jewish law and poses a security concern. The incident comes amid broader debates over Haredi military service, with some draft evaders already arrested and legislation proposed to limit penalties for those refusing to enlist.
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