The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir declared a curfew for all of the IDF amid the arrival of Storm Byron in Israel, Army Radio reported on Wednesday.
The new orders include reducing activities to essential only, prohibiting troops from leaving the base for home for the weekend, and prohibiting any naval exercises during the storm.
The orders are set to be followed from Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. through Friday, December 12, at 6:00 a.m., and are subject to change based on ongoing situation assessments.
Earlier on Wednesday, the IDF decided to begin releasing soldiers scheduled to leave their bases for the weekend, in anticipation of potential complications from Storm Byron.
This was done especially with soldiers stationed in remote bases in southern Israel, with the objective of ensuring their safe return home.
New IDF guidelines for Byron Storm
In addition to the previously mentioned IDF prohibitions, the military also prohibited any training involving foot and mounted exercises, with exemptions granted only when the command authorizes them.
Travel, overnight stays in open areas, physical training in open areas, and all naval training drills were also forbidden during the curfew.
Finally, administrative movements by vehicle would need special approval from the command before taking place.
The IDF statement also confirmed that troops were equipped with additional winter clothing, along with equipment to identify enemy targets in fog and rain.
The army says it will work to maintain navigational continuity amid the risk of flooding, mudslides, snow, and extreme cold.