IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz wished Israel a happy Passover, and
asked citizens to keep a thought for the soldiers who remain on watch
IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Thursday wished Israel a happy
Passover.
In his well-wishes, Gantz asked Israelis to spare a thought for IDF
soldiers who continue to protect the nation during the holiday.
"This evening we gather around the Seder table to celebrate Passover
with the Jewish people," he said. "Just like every day... IDF
soldiers of the various units will be at Israel´s borders, on patrols
and posts, flying and on vessels – prepared for any incident that
would require us to defend the security of Israel´s civilian
population."
Last Tuesday, Gantz broke with Israeli tradition and ordered all
units to cancel the long-customary Passover leaves and remain on full
alert over the holiday.
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.
Even the IDF headquarters building in Tel Aviv became a "no man´s
land" during Passover in previous years.
Gantz – who explained his decision saying that he "does not accept"
the notion of a military "going on vacation" – said soldiers will
have to divide their vacation days among themselves to ensure their
units remain at full strength.
