IDF Imposes Rare Weather Restrictions on Troops as Storm Byron Batters Israel

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued sweeping safety restrictions across the entire military in response to severe weather from Storm Byron, effectively confining most soldiers to their bases and halting nearly all outdoor training.

Under the new directives, effective from 8 p.m. Tuesday until at least 6 a.m. Friday, soldiers are prohibited from leaving bases for weekend furlough. All outdoor training—whether on foot or in vehicles—is banned, with only major generals authorized to grant exceptions.

Navigation exercises, camouflage drills and similar field training are strictly forbidden. Overnight stays outdoors are prohibited unless deemed essential for operational needs and personally approved by a division commander.

Routine security operations have been scaled back to “essential activities only,” and non-critical movement by foot or vehicle has been severely restricted. Even logistical convoys now require approval from a colonel or corps commander.

The IDF said the measures, which are subject to ongoing assessment, will remain in place at least until Friday morning.

Storm Byron, which earlier caused fatalities and widespread damage in Greece and Cyprus, slammed into Israel overnight, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds. Forecasters warn of continued risk of flash flooding and hazardous conditions across the country in the coming days.

The unusual weather-related lockdown marks one of the broadest set of restrictions placed on IDF activities in recent years due to natural conditions.