Female combat soldiers in IDF triple over past decade

In honor of International Women’s Day, the Israel Defense Forces released new data highlighting the increasing role of women in its ranks, particularly during the ongoing Operation “Roaring Lion.” 

Women now make up about 20% of combat forces, a threefold increase from 7.2% a decade ago, and serve across all areas of the operation.

Since the founding of the IDF, women have contributed to both combat and support roles, and today more than 90% of military positions are open to female personnel. The army emphasized that protecting the physical, mental, and professional well-being of women remains a central priority while maintaining operational standards.

Female soldiers are active in all branches of the military. In the Navy, around 25 female commanders who graduated from the naval officers’ course are participating in the operation, alongside roughly 130 female combat personnel serving on missile ships. Women make up about 40% of personnel in naval intelligence, planning, command, and fire-direction roles.

In the Air Force, women account for approximately 50% of personnel in the Air Defense Array. About 5,000 female reservists are currently serving, including roughly 130 female aircrew combat personnel.

Within the C4I and Cyber Defense Directorate, more than 40% of combat soldiers in the Electronic Warfare Battalion of the Sapir (Spear) Brigade are women.

The IDF also noted steady growth in career and leadership roles. As of 2025, women make up around 35% of all career-service personnel, including approximately 24% of lieutenant colonels and 15% of colonels.

The army stressed that women have demonstrated professionalism, determination, and rigor in all combat arenas during Operation “Roaring Lion,” contributing on the front lines as well as in support roles. “Women have served in the IDF since its creation, and their contribution is essential to accomplishing its missions,” the statement said.