Israel Offers Gluten-Free Army Rations for Combat Soldiers with Celiac Disease

Celiac.com 01/08/2015 - The Israeli Defense Forces has announced plans to provide gluten-free meals for its troops with celiac disease.

The IDF will soon provide its soldiers with gluten-free battle rations, which means that combat service will be an option for Israelis who suffer from celiac disease.

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Until last September, Israelis with celiac disease were exempted from army service, but permitted to volunteer in non-combat roles.

That all changed in June, when Defense Minister Yaalon announced changes to the rules, which now permit soldiers with celiac disease to receive a 97 profile ranking, the highest possible, allowing them to join combat units.

Currently, Israeli draft centers get about 250-300 people each year with celiac disease. So, while the overall numbers are small, the news is big to those affected, who can now get the gluten-free support they need to pursue full military careers, as they choose.

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