The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, in a multi-arena situation assessment this morning: “Many challenges lie before us.”

We are advancing combat procedures in all arenas, from Iran, Lebanon, to Gaza, and are on high alert for multi-arena volatility. In light of the tensions in Judea and Samaria and the approaching holiday period, I am instructing to raise the readiness of an additional regular division headquarters to reinforce the forces in the sector. Beyond that, preparations must be made for the immediate activation of units and battalions for reinforcement in the area. The IDF, with all its systems, will be on full, multi-arena alert during the holiday period – there will be no stand-downs and no reduction in operational forces. Unfortunately, these days we are also engaged in a battle over the budget. At a time when the IDF and its soldiers are stretched across all sectors – we must contend with an “empty coffer.” Such a situation harms the IDF’s readiness. We are engaged in defending the security of the State of Israel – this is the sole consideration before our eyes! We will not be drawn into issues that may divert our focus and readiness.