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Israeli Conscription
Israel alone requires men and women to perform military duty. In February 1948, all 19 - 25 year old married and single males became obliged to serve. In August 1948, conscription of single and married women without children became mandatory - to "tak(e) care of the (IDF's) special needs (serving as) nurses, signal operators, drivers, clerks, quartermasters, cooks, and more." Additional roles today include intelligence, technology, combat support, and as volunteer combatants.
During Israel's War of Independence, women performed combat service. Afterward, they were exempted until the late 1990s. In 2001, its first female fighter pilot graduated. In the 2006 Lebanon war, 14% of female reserves saw combat duty, many as medics.
During the British Mandate, the Haganah operated as a paramilitary force. In May 1948, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) replaced it, comprised of the Army, Air Force and small Navy.
Today, Israel's 1986 National Defence Service Law is the legal basis for conscription. It requires all Israeli citizens and permanent residents to serve, both men and women. However, the Ministry of Defence has discretion under Article 36 to exempt non-Jews, except the Druze. Israeli Arabs may volunteer, but they're not encouraged, and very few do. Reserve service is also required up to age 51 for men and 24 for women.
Exemptions are possible for reasons of:
-- educational requirements;
-- religion (Orthodox Jews are exempted);
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