Tzfat Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Shlita is counted among the growing number of rabbonim speaking out against plans to permit women to serve in the Tank Corps. In an interview with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday 21 Cheshvan, the rabbi warned against the IDF acting complacently as it did prior to the Yom Kippur War and the result was costly. Rabbi Eliyahu highlighted the military’s need to emerge victoriously in battle, and this is what it should worry about rather than being concerned with more female combatants.

IDF spokesman Brigadier-General Moti Almoz responded saying “These protests never helped and they won’t in this case either”.

Rabbi Eliyahu’s words were echoed by many, including retired Major-General Yiftach Ron-Tal and rabbonim representing hesder yeshivot.

Joining the opposition is retired Yom Kippur War hero Brigadier-General Avigdor Kahalani, who stated “a woman’s job is to be a mother”. He warned the traumas of being a combat commander and seeing warfare would change these women forever and we will not be pleased with the outcome.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)