The Israel Defence Forces announced a historic moment as Lt Col “Gimmel” becomes the first woman to command an Israeli Air Force base. She was selected by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi to lead the Ovda Air Force Base, located in the Negev north of Eilat. Ovda is known for its capability to house various aircraft types, supporting Air Force operations in southern Israel, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters.
Gimmel joined the Air Force in 2003 as a transport aircraft pilot and has since progressed through different roles, such as commander of the 122nd Squadron and holding a command position in the Air Force’s flight school. Her most recent position was as head of the offensive branch in the Air Operations Group.