Jerusalem Post/Israel Election 2026The Chief of Staff outlined a number of preparatory guidelines and procedures to be implemented by the IDF.Follow us on GoogleIDF soldier operating on Israel's border with Syria, September 9, 2025.(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)ByJONAH DAVIDOVAUGUST 5, 2026 13:33Voting stations will be deployed "behind enemy lines," in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, to enable combat soldiers deployed outside of Israel's borders to exercise their right to vote, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced in an internal directive published by Army Radio on Wednesday.Zamir reportedly convened the General Staff's senior leadership in preparation for the election on October 27. The primary goal of the meeting, outlined by Zamir, was "enabling the right to vote while keeping the IDF out of political discourse."The chief of staff outlined a number of preparatory guidelines and procedures to be implemented by the IDF.In addition to the announced plan for the IDF to deploy polling stations deep in enemy territory, it was also announced that political tours and lectures would be banned, and IDF commanders' statements would be closely monitored on every official letter, message, or speech to ensure that political topics are not broached during the sensitive election period.Additionally, social media activity will be regulated. A dedicated team is being set up to monitor statements by IDF soldiers. They will be empowered to respond to incidents, with the Chief of Staff emphasizing that the IDF must not be used for propaganda purposes and that the ban on political activity by military personnel be upheld.Israel Elections: A polling station in Jerusalem, as Israelis vote in their general elections, on March 23, 2021. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90)Special preparations made ahead of election periodAs for reservists, many of whom are deployed during the election period, Zamir stressed the need to "strictly adhere to the laws and orders concerning them."Special preparations are also being made for sensitive commemorative days during the election period, namely the third anniversary of October 7 and the anniversary of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassination."We must stick to existing procedures, orders, and directives on the matter, and avoid innovations that could lead to undermining public trust in the IDF. We must align expectations, educate, and make the process accessible to the commanding ranks," Zamir said at the conclusion of the meeting.Follow us on Google