Do ask, do tell: IDF gays can serve

"The IDF policy is based on equal rights for people of different sexual orientations, and ignores any distinction on that basis," an IDF spokesman said.

The 1993 regulation banning openly gay and lesbian soldiers from serving, the spokesman said, "was canceled and no other regulation or procedure was issued instead.

In 1998, the policy overturn was done quietly, without making any official statement to the media. Now, the IDF has made clear that the equal rights policy has been officially adopted.

Although commanders are no longer obliged to report the sexual orientation of soldiers, sexual preference might be mentioned in a security clearance check, similarly to any other personal information, and in itself should have no influence over the clearance check's result, the spokesman said.

The IDF clarification came on the request of Shabi Gatenio and Yoki Lavie, members of the Political Council for Gay Rights in Israel.