ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

The IDF is raising its readiness to the highest level during the upcoming Sukkot holiday, which began on Monday evening, the military confirmed. 

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment Monday morning with members of the General Staff Forum. He instructed those in attendance that a defensive effort would be the main focus until the end of the holiday week.  

Tensions high on Sukkot

The Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which will continue until Monday, comes amid intense ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. US President Donald Trump said that a hostage release may be expected during the week-long holiday. 

The holiday also overlaps with the second anniversary of the deadly October 7 massacre, which Hamas recently celebrated as a "glorious day." 

Zamir directed IDF troops to conduct exercises up to the start of the holiday, including command post and defensive position-related briefings, and to focus on their primary missions while sharpening reinforcements across all arenas.

Families from the Malkia kibbutz in Northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, decorate a sukka ahead of the Jewish holiday of SukkotI, two years after having to have moved out from the kibbutz due to the war, and now being back. October 6, 2025.
Families from the Malkia kibbutz in Northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon, decorate a sukka ahead of the Jewish holiday of SukkotI, two years after having to have moved out from the kibbutz due to the war, and now being back. October 6, 2025. (credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)

He also instructed the Israeli Air Force to implement rapid readiness and high alert, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Finally, Zamir instructed that security procedures for events and festivals during the holiday be approved and reinforced.

“We are at constant readiness, prepared across all arenas for defense and offense. We continue our mission to enable all Israeli’s to mark the Sukkot holiday in peace and security," said Zamir.