December 28, 2016:  About 20 years ago, Israel’s military became one of the first world-wide to allow females into some combat positions and has since gradually opened 85% of roles to females, including combat roles in the air force, artillery and intelligence. But roles in the infantry and special forces have remained largely off limits due to the physical requirement of carrying heavy loads. Now, the military plans to test-run women into those kinds of units. This shift will have wide implications for a country where military service is mandatory and at the core of the security-conscious society. See the full story:  Israel Grapples with Military's Plan to Open Combat Roles to Women (The Wall Street Journal, wsj.com)