not everywhere· Politics· Updated 19 Oct, 19:39

IDF Chief of Staff Halts Soldier Leave Ahead of Election

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a leave embargo for all military units starting Thursday in preparation for the upcoming Knesset elections. The directive, issued on Monday, is a precautionary measure to enhance operational readiness amid general security tensions and concerns about potential election violence, rather than a response to a specific, immediate threat.

3 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 19 Oct, 13:05

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What happened

01IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a leave embargo for all military units starting Thursday ahead of the October 27th elections.
02The IDF is reinforcing forces in Judea and Samaria, deploying Paratroopers Brigade forces to the Samaria and Benjamin sectors.
03Military voting will run for seven days starting Tuesday to allow all regular, career, and reserve soldiers to cast their ballots.
04Over 800 polling stations will be established for soldiers, including mobile units secured by armed personnel and locations abroad.
05The leave embargo is a precautionary measure due to general security tensions and fears of election violence, not a specific threat.
06Strict rules have been implemented to keep the military apolitical, with disciplinary action promised for commanders making political statements.

To support the Central Command, the IDF is reinforcing forces in Judea and Samaria, including deploying forces from the Paratroopers Brigade to the Samaria and Benjamin sectors. Senior commanders will also increase their presence in field headquarters, situation rooms, and operational centers to guarantee full capability.

Voting for soldiers will begin on Tuesday and run for seven days until Election Day on October 27th. To accommodate all personnel, including those on naval vessels, in isolated outposts, or on scheduled operations, the IDF will operate over 800 polling stations, approximately 25% of which will be mobile and secured by armed personnel. Early voting will also be available for career and reserve soldiers across sectors.

Strict guidelines are in place to maintain the military's apolitical stance during the election period. Disciplinary action will be taken against any commanders who make political statements.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 19 Oct, 23:26

Latest report: Haaretz English. Read Haaretz English’s original