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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has imposed an unprecedented, army-wide curfew as Storm Byron approaches the region, bringing with it the threat of severe flooding, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures.
The decision, announced on Wednesday by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, marks one of the most comprehensive weather-related operational shutdowns in recent years.
According to Army Radio, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and remain in place until Friday at 6:00 a.m., though commanders may extend or shorten the restrictions depending on how the storm develops.
The move aims to ensure troop safety across bases nationwide, particularly in remote or vulnerable areas expected to face harsh weather conditions.
The restrictions require all units to reduce activities to essential operations only. Troops are prohibited from leaving their bases for the weekend, and all naval exercises have been suspended for the duration of the storm.
The IDF emphasized that these measures are necessary given the potential risks posed by Storm Byron, which forecasters warn could bring flooding, mudslides, and even snow in higher elevations.
The new guidelines represent an escalation from earlier on Wednesday, when the military began releasing soldiers who were already scheduled to head home for the weekend.
The early release was aimed at preventing troops from becoming stranded due to weather-related road closures, particularly those stationed in isolated desert bases in southern Israel. As conditions worsened, however, military leadership opted for the stricter curfew, halting all remaining weekend departures.
“Any entrance to combat zones is forbidden, endangers the civilians, and disturbs IDF operations,” the statement added, underscoring concerns about maneuvering troops during dangerous weather.
In addition to halting home leave, the IDF has temporarily banned training involving foot or mounted exercises, except in cases where commanders grant direct approval.
Travel and overnight stays in open terrain are also prohibited. Physical training outdoors has been stopped, and all naval training drills, including routine patrol exercises, have been suspended until weather conditions improve.
Military movements by vehicle—usually a routine part of base operations—must now receive special authorization. Commanders have been instructed to verify that road conditions are safe and that units can evacuate or navigate in emergencies without placing soldiers at risk.
The IDF stated that units have been equipped with enhanced winter gear in preparation for the storm. This includes additional cold-weather clothing, waterproof insulation, and advanced imaging equipment capable of detecting enemy targets through fog and heavy rainfall.
These measures are intended to ensure that critical security functions remain intact even as training and non-essential activities are paused.
The military has also emphasized the importance of maintaining “navigational continuity” during the storm, especially in regions where flooding and mudslides could cut off road access. Engineering units and emergency response teams are on standby to manage disruptions, support isolated bases, and assist civilian authorities if necessary.
Storm Byron is expected to be one of the most intense winter systems to hit Israel in recent years. Meteorologists predict widespread rain, thunderstorms, and fierce winds across central and northern Israel, with snowfall possible in mountainous regions.
The IDF’s extensive preparations reflect lessons learned from past storms, in which soldiers were stranded in flooded training zones or forced to halt operations due to extreme conditions.
Images released by the army in past years show troops training in ankle-deep mud and freezing rain—scenes the military is keen to avoid repeating under hazardous conditions.
In one notable image from 2023, members of Givati’s Shaked brigade were photographed battling harsh weather during a muddy exercise near Moshav Jonathan in the Golan Heights.
With Storm Byron expected to peak overnight, the IDF has urged all personnel to adhere strictly to the updated safety guidelines. The military says that while operational readiness remains a priority, soldier welfare is paramount as the storm begins to sweep across the country.