Recent changes in the US military that allow for women to serve in combat roles have spurred the debate on woman in the military in Israel. Although the Israeli military has allowed women to serve on the front lines since 1973, most people agree that some barriers do still exist. Women were not allowed to take on direct combat roles until 2000. Women in Israel, on average, do not participate in the military at the same rates as men, and when they do, they are still unlikely to see combat and do not serve as long.
Much like in the American military, women have slowly been occupying more central roles for some time. The death toll for women in combat in both militaries has climbed in recent years, though it remains lower than that for men. American military officials are looking at Israel for examples on best practices for how to train, deploy and manage a gender neutral force. Even in Israel there are lingering doubts about the role of women in combat.
Jewish news sources say one example of particular interest to the American military is the Caracal Battalion. This battalion formed in 2000 specifically to field female fighters is 70% female and has seen active combat for over 10 years.
