Against the backdrop of a decrease in the number of those wishing to serve in the tank forces and a reduction in the service life from 36 months to 32, the IDF command initiated a program for the integration of women into artillery troops. Over the past two weeks, 15 women have participated in the program to test their abilities to manage tanks, use shells, drive and fire, the IDF spokesman said on Tuesday.

Soldiers who are trained in the south of Israel are called up in March and have just completed basic training.

At all stages of the program, women will be accompanied by experienced tank commanders, doctors, nutritionists and fitness specialists.

The armored corps in recent years has become one of the least popular units, because there are worse conditions and fewer days off.

Major-General of the IDF Iftah Ron-Tal, former commander of the ground forces, sharply opposed the decision to integrate soldiers into the combat armored corps. According to him, the service in the tank corps is very dangerous for the life of women.

Against the "women in the tank" spoke and the former chief army rabbi, Major-General, retired Israel Weiss.

"Two guys and two girls go to war in one combat vehicle, all this is impossible without something else going on there, I'm telling you, in nine months small tanks will appear in such tanks," Weiss said.