First-ever woman completes IDF Sayeret Matkal course, set to join operational service

In a historic first, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Thursday that a woman has successfully completed the demanding General Staff Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Matkal) special forces course. This groundbreaking achievement means she will soon join operational service in one of Israel's most elite units.

The pilot program allowing women to train for Sayeret Matkal began in December 2024. Over the past 18 months, the female soldier underwent training designed to push candidates to their absolute limits, meeting all the exceptionally high criteria required for Sayeret Matkal selection. While her exact role within the unit is still being determined, her success is being closely reviewed by IDF high command.

This milestone comes at a time when the IDF faces significant human resource challenges due to ongoing conflict. Military officials stated that integrating all capable individuals at every level is a current imperative. While women have served in other elite units previously, this is the first time a woman has successfully navigated the notoriously difficult Sayeret Matkal training program.

With this success, the only remaining IDF unit without female members is Shayetet 13, Israel's naval special operations unit. Sayeret Matkal is renowned for its critical role in covert, behind-enemy-lines operations.