Full coverage· Security· Updated 14:17

IDF Chief of Staff Orders Leave Embargo Ahead of Elections

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered a leave embargo for all IDF units starting Thursday, as the army steps up readiness ahead of the upcoming elections. He said the military’s mission is to help ensure the vote is held safely and on schedule.

8 newsrooms · 1 language · since 13:03

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What happened

01IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered a leave embargo for all IDF units starting Thursday, ahead of the upcoming elections.
02The order followed a multi-arena assessment with the Operations Directorate chief, Military Intelligence chief, and commanders of the Northern, Central, Southern and Home Front Commands.
03Senior commanders will increase their presence in command centers, headquarters and units as the IDF stays on high alert across all fronts.
04The Central Command will receive additional forces, including elements from the Paratroopers Brigade, which will operate in the Samaria and Benjamin area.
05The IDF will also allocate additional forces to air, sea and land sectors according to operational needs.
06Haaretz said soldier voting begins on Tuesday and will continue for seven days, with more than 800 polling stations set up for troops.
07Haaretz said the army will enforce rules to preserve its apolitical status, including disciplinary action against commanders who make political statements.

The order followed a multi-arena situation assessment with the head of the Operations Directorate, the head of Military Intelligence, and the commanders of the Northern, Central, Southern and Home Front Commands. Senior commanders will increase their presence in command centers, headquarters and units, while the IDF remains on high alert across all fronts.

The Central Command will receive reinforcements, including elements from the Paratroopers Brigade. Those forces will operate as a task force in the Samaria and Benjamin area, with additional personnel allocated to air, sea and land sectors according to operational needs.

Haaretz said soldier voting begins on Tuesday and will continue for seven days, with more than 800 polling stations set up for troops, including mobile stations and stations abroad. It also said the army will enforce rules intended to keep it apolitical, and commanders who make political statements may face disciplinary action.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 8 newsrooms. Updated 18:33