A 33-year-old female officer in the Israeli Navy has been named the first woman to represent the country's naval forces at NATO Headquarters in London. "I hope it will eventually be possible for an Israeli ship to join the NATO Response Force," said Maj. Ortal, whose surname is classified for security purposes. Ortal, the most senior female officer currently serving in the Navy, began her military service in the prestigious Naval Academy course in 2001, when the process of integrating women was still in its infancy. She is a graduate of the Naval Academy course. Following a stint as deputy commander of a missile boat, she considered the option of leaving the military for civilian life, but ultimately decided to stay in the Navy. She has since served in a number of positions. "Back then, there still wasn't an option for a woman to command a ship," she said. In late August, the officer moved her family to London after becoming the first woman appointed to serve as the Israeli Navy's delegate in NATO. "While Israel isn't a NATO member, it is part of the Middle East dialogue," Ortal said, stressing that of all the non-member countries with NATO delegates, only Israel and Georgia's representatives have the status of liaison officers. Several years ago, the possibility of Israel sending one of its ships to be part of the NATO Response Force presented itself, but the idea was shelved. According to Ortal, she is currently trying to promote the initiative again. "In the coming years, the Navy will expand and receive four new vessels. It could be that one of them will be able to carry out this task," she said, adding that the matter is being examined by Navy brass. According to Ortal, even if an Israeli ship does not formally join the NATO Response Force, a situation could still arise in which the international task force is called to the region and will require assistance from the Israeli Navy.
For first time, Israel names female officer as Navy delegate to NATO
Maj. Ortal, 33, whose surname is classified, becomes first woman assigned to represent the Israeli Navy at NATO Headquarters in London • "I hope it will eventually be possible for an Israeli ship to join the NATO Response Force," she says.
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