Smotrich Opposes Mixed-Gender Army Service Amid Calls for Resignation

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed his opposition to mixed-gender military service, stating he aims to educate his daughter against enlisting due to the Chief Rabbinate’s stance. His remarks, made during a Religious Zionism party meeting, drew condemnation from the group Awake Mother, which represents mothers of female soldiers, calling them “dangerous.” Smotrich argued that mixed units negatively impact professionalism in the army and described the inclusion of female soldiers in combat roles as “unreasonable,” while asserting that he respects differing opinions.

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