not everywhere· Security· Updated 19 Oct, 19:56

IDF Chief of Staff Orders Sweeping Leave Ban Amid Unprecedented Alert

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered all units to halt leave starting Thursday, after a multi-arena situation assessment on Monday. The move came as the army prepared for the upcoming elections and said it was meant to keep the vote safe and on schedule.

8 newsrooms · 3 languages · since 19 Oct, 10:26

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IDF Chief of Staff Orders Sweeping Leave Ban Amid Unprecedented Alert — Illustration by baba

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What happened

01IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a leave embargo for all units starting Thursday after a Monday multi-arena situation assessment.
02The army said its mission is to keep the upcoming elections safe and on schedule.
03Senior commanders will increase their presence in headquarters and units, according to the reports.
04The Central Command will receive additional forces, including the Paratroopers Brigade headquarters, in the Samaria and Benjamin area.
05One report said the embargo is a precaution for election week and not a response to a specific immediate threat.
06Another report said the IDF is at maximum readiness and fears escalation during the election period.
07Military voting preparations include more than 800 polling stations operating over seven days for soldiers.
08Some stations will be mobile, and the army says the arrangements are meant to let soldiers vote while remaining on duty.

Zamir directed senior commanders to increase their presence in headquarters and units, and ordered reinforcements for the Central Command. Several reports said the Paratroopers Brigade headquarters and other forces would be deployed in the Samaria and Benjamin area, while additional forces could be assigned to other sectors as needed.

One report said the leave embargo was a precaution for election week and not a response to a specific threat. Another said the army was at maximum readiness and concerned about possible escalation, while a later report said security officials feared attempts by terror organizations to influence the elections.

The reports also said military voting arrangements were being prepared for soldiers, with over 800 polling stations to operate over seven days starting Tuesday or October 20, depending on the report. Some stations will be mobile, and the army said the measures are intended to let soldiers vote while keeping operational readiness high.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 8 newsrooms. Updated 07:52