IDF Prepares for Unprecedented Election Operations, Including Overseas and at Sea
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing for elections by setting up approximately 850 polling stations, including mobile units, and training 3,000 soldiers to operate them. Early voting will commence next week, enabling soldiers deployed abroad and at sea to cast their ballots. The IDF aims to ensure all soldiers can vote, learning from past issues and hoping for a higher turnout than the previous election's 73%.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The IDF is preparing for elections with approximately 850 polling stations and 3,000 trained soldiers.
- Mobile polling stations will reach soldiers in remote locations, beyond borders, and at sea.
- Early voting begins next week for soldiers deployed outside Israel.
- The IDF aims to ensure all soldiers can exercise their right to vote, improving on past turnout.
- IDF operations will continue on election day, with provisions for soldiers to vote.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is making extensive preparations for upcoming elections, aiming to ensure all eligible soldiers can cast their votes. Approximately 3,000 soldiers have been trained to operate around 850 polling stations, with the possibility of this number increasing. A quarter of these stations will be mobile, designed to reach soldiers in remote outposts, those operating beyond Israeli borders, and forces stationed at sea.
Early voting is scheduled to begin next week, allowing combat soldiers deployed abroad and naval crews to participate. The IDF is reviewing lessons learned from previous elections to prevent situations where soldiers were unable to vote, emphasizing that operational missions should not impede their democratic right. The military hopes to achieve a higher voter turnout than the over 73% recorded in the last election.
Commanders have been reminded of directives concerning visits and lectures during the election period, with an emphasis on their responsibility to facilitate voting rights and uphold election rules. Polling station committees will primarily consist of conscripted soldiers, though active-duty and reserve personnel may be included in operational zones where conditions are challenging. Detailed safety instructions are in place for the operation of mobile polling stations.
Unlike the general public holiday declared in Israel for election day, the IDF will maintain its routine and operational activities, with exceptions for civilian employees. Permanent service members may request leave with their commanders' approval. Soldiers can vote at military polling stations or their registered civilian ones, according to established procedures. The IDF stresses its commitment to enabling every soldier to exercise their democratic right, regardless of their service location.
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