Army chief cancels IDF-wide Passover vacation
Mar 28, 2012 14:36:04 GMT -5
Post by PrisonerOfHope on Mar 28, 2012 14:36:04 GMT -5
Something's up.... Pray for the Israeli troops!
Army chief cancels IDF-wide Passover vacation
For first time in many years, all IDF units to be on full alert during Passover holiday; army officials insist decision not related to any planned military operations
Yossi Yehoshua
Published: 03.28.12, 17:18 / Israel News
Chief of Staff Benny Gantz has ordered all IDF units to cancel their traditional Passover breaks so that they can operate in full capacity over the upcoming holdiay, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.
The implication of the decision is that for the first time in many years, all IDF units will maintain their regular operations and remain on full alert throughout the holiday.
Related stories:
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IDF foils terror attack on Gaza border
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As result of the unexpected decision, thousands of soldiers at various IDF headquarters and bases will have to report for duty as usual in order to allow their units to operate with no interruption.
No break for army - IDF tanks (Photo: AFP)
No break for army - IDF tanks (Photo: AFP)
IDF officials dismissed suggestions that the decision is related to operational circumstances or preparations for military maneuvers. The army said Chief of Staff Gantz made the call after asserting that he does not accept the notion of an army-wide Passover vacation.
However, IDF soldiers who received the news Tuesday could not be convinced that the timing of the decision was arbitrary.
Notably, German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Tuesday said that after meeting Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak, he was more concerned about the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran.
Over the years, an army-wide break during Passover became a tradition followed by all major military units, including the Air Force, Navy and intelligence corps. The IDF's headquarters in Tel Aviv is also traditionally deserted during the holiday.
But as noted, the longtime tradition will be broken this year, as soldiers will have to divide their vacation days among themselves in order to ensure that their units maintain their full capacity to operate if needed.
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4209387,00.html
Army chief cancels IDF-wide Passover vacation
For first time in many years, all IDF units to be on full alert during Passover holiday; army officials insist decision not related to any planned military operations
Yossi Yehoshua
Published: 03.28.12, 17:18 / Israel News
Chief of Staff Benny Gantz has ordered all IDF units to cancel their traditional Passover breaks so that they can operate in full capacity over the upcoming holdiay, Yedioth Ahronoth reported Wednesday.
The implication of the decision is that for the first time in many years, all IDF units will maintain their regular operations and remain on full alert throughout the holiday.
Related stories:
Op-ed: Israel isn't powerless
IDF foils terror attack on Gaza border
Pentagon wants more money for Israel's Iron Dome
As result of the unexpected decision, thousands of soldiers at various IDF headquarters and bases will have to report for duty as usual in order to allow their units to operate with no interruption.
No break for army - IDF tanks (Photo: AFP)
No break for army - IDF tanks (Photo: AFP)
IDF officials dismissed suggestions that the decision is related to operational circumstances or preparations for military maneuvers. The army said Chief of Staff Gantz made the call after asserting that he does not accept the notion of an army-wide Passover vacation.
However, IDF soldiers who received the news Tuesday could not be convinced that the timing of the decision was arbitrary.
Notably, German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Tuesday said that after meeting Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak, he was more concerned about the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran.
Over the years, an army-wide break during Passover became a tradition followed by all major military units, including the Air Force, Navy and intelligence corps. The IDF's headquarters in Tel Aviv is also traditionally deserted during the holiday.
But as noted, the longtime tradition will be broken this year, as soldiers will have to divide their vacation days among themselves in order to ensure that their units maintain their full capacity to operate if needed.
www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4209387,00.html
