Combat units refuse to take celiac patients who volunteer for the Israel Defense Forces due to "logistic" problems supplying appropriate, gluten-free food - in direct contradiction of army directives forbidding rejection of soldiers who have the disease.

IDF sources admit the problem exists and explain that they cannot guarantee suitable food in field conditions. However, a celiac patient serving in such conditions told Haaretz: "There's no problem getting along with battle rations."

In the past, all celiac patients were exempted from army service, until 2008, when an effort was made to draft them. After a number of soldiers complained of unsuitable food, the policy was again altered and at present, the IDF drafts only celiac patients who express a will to volunteer.

At first, celiac patients were allowed to serve in combat units that guaranteed a supply of gluten-free food, but soon after, all combat units were informed that they could not reject celiac patients because of logistical difficulties in supplying the right food.

However, Haaretz has learned that various combat units still refuse to supply proper food, thus, in effect, rejecting celiac patients.

One such soldier was told officially by the IDF that he cannot be accepted by the Givati Brigade due to logistical problems. The soldier insisted, and was then told that "the disease cannot be a reason for not being stationed in a particular unit. If they claim that it's because you're a celiac patient, it is in contradiction to proper conduct."

IDF sources said a problem indeed exists, and that the soldier was refused because appropriate food could not be guaranteed. Still, another combat soldier suffering from the ailment told Haaretz: "I get along fine in field conditions. The battle rations include tuna and stuffed vine leaves, and I eat more of these, or concentrate on vegetables. Actually, It's harder to find suitable food in the base than in field conditions."

In September 2011, a celiac patient seeking to enroll in the Israel Air Force flight academy was refused, but after appealing the decision was accepted to the academy.

Celiac patients can choose between receiving a monthly allowance of NIS 500, or five gluten-free meals and two gluten-free loaves of bread per week. The IDF Spokesman said: "The issue is being examined and the problem does exist. Staff work is carried out at present with the intention of guaranteeing the supply of suitable food to all army units. Due to the partial details supplied by the journalist, we cannot comment on the specific case."