Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the IDF today (Wednesday) not to draw down defense troop strength in Gaza envelope communities at this time, pending any further decision on the matter. The directive comes after the IDF decided to reduce forces in the region, and apparently against the backdrop of tensions between the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff.
1+The Defense Minister’s office stated that the decision was made to preserve the sense of security among residents in Gaza border communities. It was further stated that the directive was issued following a situational assessment led by Katz last week, and following appeals from local residents requesting to reinforce and maintain the security response in their communities.
1+Under the directive, the IDF will be required at this stage to leave existing defense troop levels in place across Gaza envelope communities until a different decision is reached on the issue.