Israeli Minister Refuses His Daughter's Military Service and Justifies His Position Religiously

Israeli Finance Minister and head of the "Religious Zionism" party, Bezalel Smotrich, expressed his firm rejection of girls joining the Israeli army, asserting that he will try to convince his daughter not to enlist if she wishes to do so.

His position is based on religious traditions and the guidance of the chief rabbinate.

Smotrich stated in remarks reported by the newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth":
"If my daughter asks me, I will try to convince her not to join the service."
He added that his stance stems from the religious directives of the chief rabbinate, as well as the positions of his colleagues in the "Religious Zionism" party.

Rejection of Mixed Military Units

The minister explained his position by saying:

"I have my stance based on religious, faith-based, and professional reasons that completely reject the mixing of genders in the ranks of the Israeli army."
He pointed out that mixed military units create an unsuitable environment and make it difficult to maintain the army's efficiency, considering that placing women in tanks and sexual mixing in units seems like a fantasy.

Respecting Others' Opinions

Despite his firm stance, Smotrich affirmed his respect for everyone's right to make their own decision freely: "I know that there are those who think differently. Everyone should do what is best for them. This is my position, but I do not dictate to anyone what to do."