17:I[87134,["/_next/static/chunks/abf43a076ddbd945.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/5ac73fe2b25fc6c9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/92bdbfeca3f655f7.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/733be0453bf96ece.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/27718c319dd13e9b.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/34c922b381f458e9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/c85eefbddd563073.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA"],"default"] 18:T542,

The Israel Defense Forces revealed on Thursday that a female soldier has become the first to successfully complete the demanding Sayeret Matkal special forces training program. She is now set to participate in operational activities.

This initiative to integrate women into top-tier units started in December 2024. The soldier underwent more than 18 months of intense preparation, facing extreme challenges throughout.

She fulfilled every stringent requirement set by the unit, according to military statements.

Her specific role within the unit remains undecided, given the diverse and evolving assignments in Sayeret Matkal.

The achievement is prompting senior leaders to explore expanding such opportunities moving forward.

Significant Breakthrough in Special Forces Integration

Amid ongoing personnel shortages due to casualties from conflicts since 2023, the IDF emphasizes the need to utilize all capable individuals across all positions.

While women have served in other elite groups recently, earlier candidates for this unit did not finish the full training period.

With this success, Shayetet 13 stands as the sole remaining special forces unit without female members.

Sayeret Matkal specializes in covert land-based missions, often conducted deep within hostile territory.