Female combat reconnaissance soldiers: We were ordered to stop a mission and leave a base because we are women
A team of female combat reconnaissance soldiers was ordered to halt operational activity at the Tziporen base and return to their unit, after objections were raised to their presence there on grounds of separation between men and women. The soldiers arrived to replace a team, and according to them, the brigade commander said the conditions did not comply with joint service orders. Col. (res.) Nira Shpak demanded the IDF investigate the conduct.
A team of female combat reconnaissance soldiers was ordered to stop operational activity at the Tziporen base and return to their unit, after objections were raised to their presence there on grounds of separation between men and women. This was first reported Sunday evening by Kan News. The soldiers arrived at the base last Wednesday night to replace a team from their company. They positioned themselves in an area separated by burlap sheets. The team they replaced explained that religious soldiers at the base had requested separation. Shortly after setting up their post, they were told they must leave. The team commander contacted the company commander, who ordered them to stay. As they began operating a drone, the brigade commander arrived at the post and explained that female soldiers should be treated like "queens" with suitable conditions, and that the conditions at the base did not comply with joint service orders. Ultimately, an order came from a higher command level to stop the mission. The soldiers describe a feeling that gender considerations outweighed operational needs. Col. (res.) Nira Shpak, a former Knesset member, demanded the IDF investigate the conduct.