Women Leading in Defense and Innovation

March 11, 2025

by: Kate Norman, Staff Writer

Israel is known as a startup nation and a powerhouse of technological and military ingenuity. In recent years, a quieter yet equally revolutionary transformation has been taking place: the rise of women to leadership roles in fields critical to Israel’s security and innovation. From elite units in the IDF to groundbreaking tech startups and government agencies, women are breaking barriers and shaping the nation’s future.

Pioneering in Defense

Women played critical roles in Israel’s defense in pre-state militias like the Haganah, as well as in establishing and developing the modern IDF, proving themselves in challenging environments.

Sara Braverman, one of the first female members of the Haganah, served as a paratrooper during World War II, volunteering with the British army to aid Jewish communities in Nazi-occupied Europe. After the war, she played a pivotal role in training recruits, emphasizing her belief in the importance of women in the fight for Jewish independence.Hannah Szenes was a paratrooper and poet turned a national hero. Trained by the British during World War II, she parachuted into Europe to help rescue Hungarian Jews. Captured and executed by the Nazis, Szenes remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice.Shula (Shulamit) Kishik–Cohen played a critical role as a spy in the underground efforts during the Haganah era. She gathered intelligence on Arab movements and helped facilitate Jewish immigration from Lebanon to pre-state Israel, often risking her life.

During the 1948 War of Independence, Yehudit Arnon worked tirelessly to mobilize supplies, aid combat units and support logistical operations. She and other women played significant roles in ensuring the survival of communities and the effective coordination of defensive efforts.

Zivia Lubetkin, a leader in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, immigrated to Israel and became deeply involved in the Haganah. Her expertise in resistance movements and combat training was instrumental during Israel’s early days.

IDF Formation and Beyond

As the IDF took shape, women’s roles expanded. Tzvia (Sabina) Greenfeld was among the first female IDF officers, helping to establish training programs for women. She advocated for the inclusion of women in roles beyond administration, laying the groundwork for future generations.

Miriam Ben-Porat served as a legal advisor during the early days of the IDF, shaping military law and ensuring that the defense force operated under the principles of justice and accountability. She later served as Israel’s State Comptroller and was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

Including women in Israel’s defense was both practical and ideological. The pre-state ethos of equality emphasized that women were as vital as men to the survival and success of the Jewish state. This philosophy paved the way for women’s contributions in combat and leadership, and set a precedent for their relevance to Israel’s security.

Brigadier General Orly Markman made history as the first woman appointed to head the Military Court of Appeals, and her legal acumen has set a precedent for female officers aiming for such influential roles.

After Or Ben Yehuda’s military service she was asked to re-enlist as a commander to set an example for other women. Ben Yehuda became commander of the Caracal Battalion, a coed combat unit. On October 7, she and her troops successfully defended their post, eliminating approximately 100 terrorists.

Israeli women are also making their mark within highly classified units. Unit 8200, the renowned intelligence and cybersecurity division, has a growing number of women in leadership roles. Lieutenant Colonel Avigail Landsman, who oversees critical operations, exemplifies the critical thinking and innovation that women bring to national security.

Trailblazers in Technology

Israel’s tech industry, often hailed as the engine of its economic success, has seen a surge of female leaders. Dr. Kira Radinsky, co-founder of Diagnostic Robotics, has been a trailblazer in using artificial intelligence to revolutionize healthcare, creating predictive tools that improve patient outcomes.

Michal Tsur, the co-founder of Kaltura, a leading video technology company, has driven innovation in online video platforms, which are now integral to education, entertainment and business worldwide. Her work reflects technical prowess and strategic vision, making her one of the most influential women in Israel’s startup ecosystem.

Organizations like SheCodes, led by Ruth Polachek, nurtures the next generation of female tech leaders, offering coding workshops and mentorship programs across Israel to close the gender gap in high-tech industries.

Government Leadership and Policy Shapers

Women have ascended to key positions in Israeli government, contributing to domestic and international advancements. When Gila Gamliel was minister of Environmental Protection, she led sustainable energy and water conservation efforts, crucial for a country in one of the world’s driest regions. Gamliel currently serves as minister of Science and Technology. Ayelet Shaked, former minister of Justice, influenced Israel’s judicial policies, demonstrating the impact of women in high-stakes political arenas.

On the international stage, Tzipi Livni, Israel’s former foreign minister, played a central role in peace negotiations with the Palestinians and helped elevate Israel’s diplomatic standing globally, demonstrating female leadership on a global stage.

Sharon Haskel, Israel’s deputy foreign minister, has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic political leaders. Haskel’s rise to power is marked by her determination to bridge domestic concerns with global diplomacy, focusing on strengthening Israel’s ties with allies and navigating complex global challenges.

Pnina Tamano–Shata, the first Ethiopian-born woman to serve in Israel’s Knesset (parliament) and minister of Immigrant Absorption, championed immigrant integration policies, ensuring smoother absorption of new citizens into Israeli society. Her leadership has uplifted marginalized communities and reinforced the importance of diversity in shaping Israel’s future.

Challenges, Opportunities—And the Future

Despite these achievements, challenges persist. Women in Israel, as elsewhere, continue to face wage gaps, underrepresentation in executive roles and cultural stereotypes. However, initiatives like the Athena Fund, which provides scholarships and support for women, and the IDF’s commitment to increasing female inclusion in elite units, are fostering a new generation of leaders.

Additionally, cultural shifts within Israeli society are paving the way for broader acceptance of women as leaders. Programs in schools and communities emphasizing gender equality and empowerment encourage young girls to enter male-dominated careers.

The stories of these Israeli women and many others like them illustrate a profound truth: women bring unique perspectives and skills that strengthen the fabric of society. In defense, technology and governance, Israeli women are driving the nation toward a more secure, innovative and inclusive future.

In the words of Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister: “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.” Today’s female leaders embody this spirit, inspiring future Israeli generations to redefine what is possible.

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