IDF Prepares Full Leave Embargo Amid Election Security Concerns

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is considering imposing a full leave embargo on all soldiers, including career, regular, and reserve service members, for the duration of the upcoming election week. The measure is being evaluated as part of ongoing security assessments and due to the heightened sensitivity surrounding the election period. While a final decision has not yet been made, the potential embargo is being formulated under the directive of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

If approved, the leave ban would likely commence towards the end of the week and extend for several days after the elections, which are scheduled for Tuesday. This would mean that all soldiers would be required to vote at military polling stations. The IDF will not approve leaves for regular and career soldiers during this period.

A military source stated that the possibility of a leave embargo is being examined as part of the preparations for election week, not due to an immediate, concrete threat, but out of readiness and vigilance given the sensitive nature of the period. The IDF spokesperson emphasized that as part of ongoing situation assessments across all combat zones, an alert order has been issued for additional ground forces and increased readiness.

The final decision regarding the leave embargo is expected to be made by the General Staff in the coming hours. The IDF is also increasing its general alert level to the highest possible, with additional ground forces on standby and heightened readiness across all fronts.