Can gays serve openly in the Israeli military?

[Stinky The Clown]

I ask this in reaction to Duncan Asshat Hunter on 60 Minutes. He said our military as tougher than anyone else and because of that the culture is much more conservative .... hence it is okay to exclude (spelled h-a-t-e) gays.

It occurs to me that, no matter what one thinks of Israeli military policy, their army are some tough cookies. Very likely, man for man, tougher than we like to think we are. I know they've had a coed military forever. Are they also inclusive of gays?

I'm hoping the answer is yes and that Mr. Hunter can shove that up his ass (no pun intended).

[dsc]

1. Yes

We are the last western country which bans gays.

[pinto]

2. Yes.

[TomInTib]

3. Not only that....

but their Special Forces are probably the best-trained force on the planet. They are some cold mofos, not nearly as edgy as our guys tend to be.

[roamer65]

4. I would assume service is mandatory, regardless of sexual orientation.

[terrya]

5. Yes

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. I don't think it's just the military that is harsh and mean....

... I think this country has never gotten past the manifest destiny, cowboy shoot-em-up, robber baron I-got-mine-screw-you mentality. It is a bit cruel on all levels. That's why I love American libs so much, they are fighting the ugly part of American culture and it's not easy!

[provis99]

7. yes, but only because you've got no choice in Israel

Everybody serves, even if you're crippled they'll find some paper for you to push around while in uniform. The only ones who don't have to serve are religious students (though many of them serve as well) and Arabs (except that the Druzes specifically asked to be drafted, go figure).

[UTUSN]

8. "Everybody serves" sounds good to me!1 n/t