While women have been part of Israel’s military from its earliest days, it is only in recent decades that many combat opportunities have been opened up to female soldiers, from infantry units to tank crews to fighter pilot squadrons. Some of the progress has come at the army’s initiative, and sometimes at the behest of courts, or in response to public pressure.

This heroism [by female soldiers] did not begin in this latest campaign,” said Col. (res.) Maya Heller, chairperson of Forum Dvorah’s executive committee. “The stories of those [women] who fell in the line of duty protecting Israel are intertwined with the story of the land itself and the establishment of the state they defended and loved.

Critics of gender integration in the military often decry it as a dangerous social experiment with potential ramifications for national security. Proponents point to advances in gender-equality in other aspects of life and note that other Western militaries have successful integrated female troops into their fighting forces.”
Israel has a conscription service of 2 years per women and 2.5 years for men and women in combat postings. The payment during the conscription service starts at 250 USD and depending on your posting and time passed, the payment is increased. Combat soldiers after 2 years is paid about 600 USD/month.