IDF to deploy voting stations behind enemy lines in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza ahead of October election

The IDF will deploy voting stations 'behind enemy lines' in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for the October 27 election, announced Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir in an internal directive. The directive also bans political tours and lectures, monitors commanders' statements, and regulates soldiers' social media to keep the IDF out of political discourse.

The IDF will deploy voting stations 'behind enemy lines' in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to allow combat soldiers deployed outside Israel to vote in the October 27 election, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced in an internal directive published by Army Radio on Wednesday. Zamir convened the General Staff's senior leadership to prepare for the election, with the primary goal of 'enabling the right to vote while keeping the IDF out of political discourse.' The directive also bans political tours and lectures, monitors commanders' statements on official communications, and regulates soldiers' social media activity. A dedicated team will monitor soldiers' statements and respond to incidents, with Zamir emphasizing that the IDF must not be used for propaganda. For reservists, Zamir stressed strict adherence to laws and orders. Special preparations are being made for sensitive commemorative days during the election period, including the third anniversary of October 7 and the anniversary of Yitzhak Rabin's assassination. Zamir concluded by urging adherence to existing procedures to avoid undermining public trust in the IDF.