Elazar Stern in Gush katif (Archive)
צילום: חנן גרינברג
Troops from Gaza get a break
IDF reverses decision to remove soldiers living in Gaza Strip by August 15; troops will now be allowed to remain in homes until final moments before evacuation
Soldiers who live in the Gaza Strip settlements slated for evacuation can stay home with their families until evacuation forces arrive to take them out, the IDF has decided.
The decision was announced Monday and constitutes a change from a previous announcement that soldiers would have to leave their homes by the 15th of August. If they were to remain in their homes after that date, they would be tried and sentenced by their commanding officers.
The original decision was reversed after consultations with IDF Manpower Head Maj. Gen. Elazar Stern, GOC Army Headquarters Maj.Gen. Yiftach Ron-Tal and Southern Command Head Maj. Gen. Dan Harel.
They decided to allow soldiers to stay with their families up until the last moments before the settlements are to be cleared out. The decision was made as a good will gesture to the families.
The IDF said the decision was taken despite the army knowing that the families may resist evacuation in some way, and so a situation could arise where a soldier is torn between his family and his duty to the army.
Knesset member commends IDF decision
The army based its reversal on the understanding that soldiers in uniform would not hurt their fellow soldiers, and would be a source of moderation that could defuse the situation and allow the pullout to go more smoothly.
Several dozen soldiers that live in the settlements and have not yet asked for leave for the pullout may still do so after contacting their commanding officer.
Knesset member Uri Ariel (National Union) lauded the decision.
“I am happy that in the end the IDF showed compassion on this issue," he said. "The IDF cannot allow a situation where the families agreement to go quietly is a prerequisite for allowing their son to be with them at the time of the pullout."
"It would be inhuman. I commend the fact that the military establishment showed understanding for this difficult situation in this difficult hour, and that the families will be united and together," he said.
