Unusual IDF Directive: Soldiers Barred From Leaving Bases Amid Severe Weather Alert

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi issued an unusual set of sweeping restrictions today, ordering a halt to weekend releases, a ban on field navigation exercises, and significant limitations on troop movement and training until Friday morning, subject to ongoing operational assessments.

According to a report on i24, the directives took effect late Thursday afternoon as the military prepared for a powerful storm system expected to hit the country in the coming days. The goal, the army said, is to reduce movement and minimize risk to soldiers during hazardous weather conditions.

The orders sent to commanders prohibit releasing soldiers from their bases to return home from Thursday at 20:00 until Friday at 06:00. All foot or vehicle-based training is suspended unless a division-level general grants a specific exemption. All navigation exercises—of any kind—are completely forbidden, and marches or outdoor overnights are banned unless defined as essential operational needs by a regional division commander.

Physical training may continue only indoors, and operational activity will be restricted to essential missions. Movement of forces has also been sharply limited: operational foot or vehicle movements will require a demonstrated critical need, while administrative vehicle movement will require authorization from a colonel or branch commander.

The restrictions will remain in place until Friday at 06:00, with further updates to be issued by the Operations Directorate and the Ground Forces Command as weather and operational assessments evolve.

{Matzav.com}