Israel’s experience in the integration of women into the military: lessons for reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The article examines Israel’s experience in the integration of women into military service as a key element of ensuring national defense capability. It is noted that the Israeli model of women’s integration is unique in view of its combination with the tough security challenges that have accompanied the existence of the state since its foundation. The legislative framework, organizational aspects and socio-cultural features that affect the participation of women in the armed forces are analyzed. The key role of gender mainstreaming in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women in various units of the Israel Defense Forces is emphasized. Using the example of Israeli reforms, a comparison is made with the Ukrainian context, in which the integration of women into the military sphere is of particular relevance due to the long-term military conflict. It is found that despite significant progress in ensuring gender equality in the Israeli armed forces, the integration process faces organizational and social barriers. In particular, the uneven access of women to combat and leadership positions is noted due to entrenched stereotypes and restrictions that reflect deeper socio-cultural problems. Special attention is paid to the issues of legislative changes that contributed to the expansion of opportunities for women in the military sphere. Key regulatory acts are analyzed, in particular amendments to the Law on Military Service, which ensured equal access of women and men to positions in the armed forces. It is emphasized that the implementation of gender equality in Israel is based not only on legislative changes, but also on a comprehensive approach that takes into account social, cultural and economic factors. In the context of Ukrainian realities, the need to introduce reforms that will take into account the successful elements of the Israeli model is noted. A comparison of the number of military personnel and reservists of the two states is made, which allows us to highlight the specifics of their approaches to the formation of defense potential. It is noted that for Ukraine it is important not only to increase the number of personnel, but also to ensure high-quality training and equal opportunities for women in all aspects of military service. The analysis allows us to conclude that the Israeli experience is a valuable reference point for reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The use of this experience will contribute not only to increasing defense capabilities, but also to consolidating the principles of gender equality as the basis for the development of society. It is emphasized that the success of reforms depends on their comprehensiveness, adaptation to the national context, and involvement of all resources of society in solving defense tasks.