A new directive was issued by the IDF this week, ordering the formulation of environmental protection measures for all large-scale military exercises from the battalion-level and up. According to a military statement, the order means to regulate all aspects regarding the protection and preservation of the environment during military training, covering everything from the need to preserve resources to protecting wildlife and antiquities. The directive was issued jointly by the IDF's Safety and Quality Control Division and the Technological and Logistics Directorate. "The IDF holds training exercises on nearly half of Israel's territory as part of its operational readiness, training in designated fire zones, parks and reservations etc., and since such maneuvers may carry an environmental impact, it has been decided that from now on, any exercise brief will include an environmental protection addendum, prepared prior of deployment," the statement said. According to the IDF, the directive aims to cover six major issues: Oils and petrol, waste, ground pollution, air pollution, conservation of resources and the conservation of nature and antiquities. The order further says that each brief must include detailed measures for the clearing of any oils and petrol, the separation of waste, minimizing air pollution by maintaining engine-silence when possible, and immediately reporting any suspected pollution or the possibilities of an antiquities site. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter