IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, announced that he has concluded the pilot program conducted by the Ground Forces Commander, Maj. Gen. Nadav Lotan, for integrating female combat soldiers in a specialized company within the Yahalom unit of the Combat Engineering Corps - and it was completed successfully. The IDF spokesperson stated that "the Chief of Staff has instructed to continue the model of integrating female combat soldiers in the Yahalom unit as part of the comprehensive approach to strengthen the combat formation of the Combat Engineering Corps and the integration of women in combat roles." He further said that "during the past two years, the corps and Ground Forces commanders have refined the operational purpose of the female combatants, in light of the operational needs in the field. The female combat soldiers have participated in hundreds of operational activities in the north and Gaza Strip, made significant contributions to the unit's capabilities and demonstrated professionalism, determination and high motivation."