JERUSALEM (VINnews) — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Thursday he has ordered a significant bolstering of forces in Judea and Samaria in response to recent tensions in the territory and the approaching Jewish holiday period.
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Speaking during a situational assessment with the IDF’s senior command, Zamir said the military is preparing across multiple fronts.
“Many challenges lie ahead of us. We are advancing battle procedures on all fronts, from Iran and Lebanon to Gaza, and are on high alert in the face of multi-front volatility,” he said.
Zamir said that because of the tensions in Judea and Samaria and the upcoming holidays, he is placing a standing army division headquarters on standby to reinforce troops in the area if needed.
Judea and Samaria is normally covered by two divisions: the Judea and Samaria Division, which is responsible for most of the territory, and the 96th “Gilad” Division, which is tasked with the Jordan border.
“Beyond that, preparations must be made for the immediate deployment of units and battalions to reinforce the area,” Zamir said.
He added that the entire IDF, across all its branches, will remain on full multi-front readiness during the holiday period and that there will be no reduction in forces.
Turning to funding, Zamir said the military is also confronting a budget fight.
“Unfortunately, these days we are also engaged in a battle over the budget,” he said. “At a time when the IDF and its personnel are stretched across all fronts, we must contend with ‘empty coffers.’ Such a situation harms the IDF’s readiness.”
Zamir said the IDF’s sole consideration is defending Israel’s security.
“We will not be dragged into issues that could divert our focus and readiness,” he said.
When you earn money then pay 50 percent or whatever the rate is to the Israeli government as income tax, that money contributes to buying tanks and airplanes, armored vests and generals’ salaries. Earning money and paying taxes is one of the most important components of the war effort. I know a 56 year old reservist who in a spirit of misguided patriotism decided to take off from his high paying actuary practice for a year so that he can volunteer to train for combat and join a brigade with the 20 year olds. Yes he did add two more boots on the ground deployed to the combat zone. Prayers that he and all the chayalim return home safely. Hashem yishmerenu. But the taxes he would have paid by not going back into battle could have bought for the IDF hundreds of armored vests and other much needed gear which the army needs more. When it comes to contributing to the war effort, You need to do what you would be most productive at. For some that means joining combat. For others that means earning huge amounts of money and paying taxes. And similarly, if you really can learn so well that you create Heavenly success for those who are fighting, then perhaps your contribution of learning would likewise me more productive for the war effort than adding two more boots on the ground.