Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed his opposition to conscripting female soldiers into the IDF, stating he will raise his daughter not to follow that path.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, stirred controversy by announcing his stance against the conscription of female soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). During a meeting of his Religious Zionist Party, he articulated his personal conviction that each individual should make choices that align with their beliefs, stating he hopes to instill in his daughter the idea of not joining the military. Smotrich challenged the liberal audience, urging them to respect differing values that he claims are rooted in long-standing traditions, rather than newly formed opinions.
Further addressing the issue of gender integration in military units, Smotrich criticized mixed-gender combat units, arguing they negatively impact professionalism and create a toxic environment. He emphasized that integrating men and women in combat roles could undermine the IDF's operational effectiveness, asserting that he views this not just from a personal belief but also from a professional perspective. Despite his strong views, he acknowledged that others may hold different opinions and noted that the military allows for mixed units, reflecting a degree of openness in the current discourse on gender and military service in Israel.
Smotrich's remarks come amid ongoing debates in Israel regarding military service and gender roles, reflecting broader societal tensions surrounding religious beliefs and gender equality. His position highlights the intersection of personal belief, professional standards, and the implications of governmental policy on military service, raising questions about how such views will shape future military and social policies in Israel, especially regarding gender integration in armed forces.
