The IDF has decided to shorten the shift hours for guarding the Egyptian border from 12 to eight after soldiers from the IDF’s mixed-gender Bardelas Battalion refused to go on the longer shifts following last weekend’s deadly attack.
The soldiers, while also having their parents' support in their complaints, made it clear to their commanders that they were unable to perform such long shifts.
The soldiers criticized the command of their battalion, which made them work these shifts despite the poor weather conditions, and claimed that they felt useless while they were in the field for so long.
A report on the matter was quickly passed between the battalion's commander on Mount Harif to the commander of the Paran Brigade. Sources involved with the issue reported that there was a lengthy debate between both the commanders and soldiers, which was then brought to the attention of the brigade commander, Col. Ido Saad.
Shift hours shortened to eight following attack
It was ultimately decided to shorten the shift hours from 12 to eight and to reduce the guarding of the border by one post.
"Following an assessment of the situation and the incident at the Egyptian border, it was decided to convert the single guard position to a two-person job during night hours."
IDF Spokesperson
Additionally, an IDF spokesperson said that "following an assessment of the situation and the incident at the Egyptian border, it was decided to convert the single guard position to a two-person job during night hours."