Ahead of Elections: IDF Halts Leave, Boosts Forces Nationwide

The IDF is raising its alert level ahead of the elections: Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordered today (Monday) a series of steps to increase operational readiness across all sectors, including a freeze on leave in IDF units starting this coming Thursday, the reinforcement of forces in Central Command, and the allocation of additional forces according to operational needs.

The decisions were made at the conclusion of a multi-front situational assessment held this morning with the participation of the head of the Operations Directorate, the head of Military Intelligence, and the commanders of Northern, Central, Southern and Home Front Commands.

During the discussion, the Chief of Staff made clear that the IDF’s mission is to ensure that the democratic elections are held on time and in a safe manner. He further emphasized that the army is at the highest level of alert, and that a high level of vigilance and readiness will be maintained in every sector.

Among the approved measures, it was also decided to increase the presence of senior commanders in operations rooms, headquarters and units, in order to ensure operational fitness and readiness.

In Central Command, forces will be reinforced by the headquarters of the Paratroopers Brigade and additional forces assigned to it. The brigade will operate as a task force brigade headquarters in the area between Samaria and Binyamin, with the aim of strengthening the deployment of forces and increasing presence on the ground.

In addition, the Chief of Staff ordered the allocation of further forces in other sectors, in the air, at sea and on land, in accordance with operational needs and ongoing situational assessments.