Saturday Jul 5, 2025
HE
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News Defense & Security

Israeli Navy's Snapir Unit gets first-ever female commander

Capt. Ophir Huri dismisses talk of a "glass ceiling" for women in the military: "This is a position for naval officers, and there's no reason I shouldn't be able to handle the role."

by  Hanan Greenwood
Published on  10-15-2021 13:47
Last modified: 10-15-2021 13:47
Israeli Navy's Snapir Unit gets first-ever female commanderIDF Spokesperson's Unit

Snapir Unit personnel in action | Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Capt. Ophir Huri made history a few months ago when she was appointed the first female commander of the Israeli Navy's Snapir Unit in Haifa. Snapir is tasked with securing Israeli civilian and military ports and protecting them from threats on land as well as above and underwater. In addition to Haifa, the unit has two other independent branches in Ashdod and Eilat.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter 

Along with securing ports from terrorists at sea, the men and women fighters board cargo ships and examine them for any signs of terrorist activity. This is a particularly significant threat as terrorists can use the vessels to transport weapons, other terrorists, and even bombs for carrying out an attack. Should Snapir fighters fail to identify such a threat in real time, there will be nothing to stop them from entering Israeli territory and putting lives at risk. Israel's submarine platform is also located in Haifa, which adds to the strategic threat.

Huri completed her Naval Officers Course in 2018. She most recently commanded a Devora-class fast-patrol boat, where she served with dozens of male officers. Around six months ago, Huri took command of the Snapir unit in Haifa, which operates under the command of the Navy's 914th Division.

Capt. Ophir Huri

"The unit is charged with maintaining security of the northern border and ports. This means preventing the intrusion of hostile elements into the port and specific, pointed missions on the northern border," Huri explains. The Snapir Unit unit in Haifa operates as part of Party 914, which protects the northern region at sea. 

"We are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and perform dedicated missions on top of Tzira [defender-class] boats," she says.

"We operate dozens of male and female fighters, 40% of whom are women. This is a boutique unit that is ready for whatever is necessary. We are always on alert … no matter the time, on holidays, on Shabbat. We're always ready to go on any mission in a matter of seconds," she said.

Asked about her historic role, Huri said: "I'm less of a believer in the glass-feeling concept. In my six years in the navy, I never sensed there was any limitation because I am a woman. From my standpoint, there is nothing unusual about it, and now the time has come to get to work and focus less on the headlines. I understand why people are focusing on it, but I have a dream that we won't need to focus on it at all – that we'll just let integration be something legitimate. I feel that ultimately, objectives were achieved. This is a position for naval officers, and there's no reason I shouldn't carry it out. I hope the day comes when it won't seem unusual and won't be a big deal," she said.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

  

 

 

Tags: equal opportunitiesIsraeli navynaval officerswomen in combat

Related Posts

Romania picks Israeli Rafael for air defense dealRafael Advanced Defense Systems

Romania picks Israeli Rafael for air defense deal

by Neta Bar

Rafael wins parliamentary-approved tender for short-range missile systems one month after Bucharest's Iron Dome acquisition decision.

Military experts in awe of Israel's Rising LionIDF Spokesperson's Unit

Military experts in awe of Israel's Rising Lion

by Hanan Greenwood

Analysts publishing assessments of developments in Tehran and Isfahan are offering effusive praise for the sophisticated execution of this formidable...

All the way from Israel: IDF attraction awaiting Americans in Las Vegas

All the way from Israel: IDF attraction awaiting Americans in Las Vegas

by Hanan Greenwood

A recently opened entertainment facility in America's premier tourist destination has acquired multiple Merkava Mark 2 tanks visitors can ride.

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il