IDF halts leave for combat troops, intel chief warns 'worst is yet to come' Jerusalem Post Staff

 

by Jerusalem Post Staff

IDF Military Intelligence Directorate head: Israel is facing "complex days" ahead amid increasing threats of strikes by Iran.

 

Israeli soldiers operate near Shifa Hospital, in Gaza, March 29, 2024

(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The IDF announced on Thursday it had decided to temporarily halt leave for combat units, moments before the head of the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate, Aharon Haliva, warned Israel is facing "complex days" ahead amid increasing threats of strikes by Iran.

Speaking after, it was revealed that IDF Intelligence Analysis Chief Brig. Gen. Amit Saar would resign from his role due to a cancer diagnosis. Haliva also warned that he was "not sure that the worst is behind us."

"In accordance with the assessment of the situation in the IDF, it has been decided to temporarily stop leave of combat units," the military said in a statement.

It added, "The IDF is at war, and the deployment of forces is constantly being reviewed according to needs."

Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander reported to have been killed in an airstrike in Damascus on April 1, 2024. (credit: FARS MEDIA CORPORATION/CREATIVE COMMONS ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL / TINYURL.COM/MWSAPNJV)

On Wednesday, the IDF announced it would call up reservists to bolster its Air Force's air defense array.

New developments come amid Iranian threats 

The decisions come amid heightened tensions in Israel and increasing threats by Iran in the wake of the alleged Israeli strike in Syria, which killed senior Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi. 

On Thursday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke of the “heavy price” Israel would pay for the attack. 

Later on Thursday, IDF Spokesperson R.-Amd. Daniel Hagari wrote a calming message on X. "The Home Front Command's directives remain unchanged. There is no need to buy generators, store food, and withdraw money from ATMs."

In addition, Hagari said the military would update the public immediately should any changes to its directives ensue.

הנחיות פיקוד העורף נותרו ללא שינוי. אין צורך לקנות גנרטורים, לאגור מזון ולהוציא כסף מכספומטים.
כמו שנהגנו עד היום, אנחנו נעדכן מיד בכל שינוי במידה ויהיה באופן רשמי ומסודר.

— דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) April 4, 2024

In a statement made to the press later on Thursday, Hagari appeared to warn Iran, stating that the Israeli military "strengthened the preparedness of our combat units...the planes are ready to strike.

"The Israeli military is prepared for all scenarios," Hagari reassured.

Seth J. Frantzman contributed to this article. 

Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-795306

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