The IDF Rabbinate has issued a directive prohibiting combat soldiers and those engaged in physical military activities from fasting during the upcoming Tisha B'Av, a traditional Jewish day of mourning and fasting.
In a comprehensive set of guidelines, the Military Rabbinate emphasizes that soldiers in active combat zones, including the Gaza Strip, northern Israel, and the West Bank, as well as those on standby for immediate deployment, must maintain their nutritional intake to ensure optimal operational readiness.
The directive specifically lists those who are prohibited from fasting:
• Soldiers actively engaged in combat operations
• Soldiers who may enter combat on short notice
• Soldiers performing routine security missions, including in rear camps
• Soldiers who may be called to combat without prior warning
• Mechanics working on vehicles, armored vehicles, and aircraft
• Any personnel engaged in physical activities related to the war effort
For non-combat personnel in support roles, such as those working in command centers or administrative positions, the guidance is more flexible. These soldiers are advised to continue their duties but are permitted to eat and drink if fasting impairs their ability to function effectively.
"In practice, soldiers should consult with their unit rabbi to assess the nature of their duties, required readiness levels, potential risks, local climate conditions, and the physical demands of their tasks," the document advises.
The decision is rooted in the Jewish principle of "pikuach nefesh" (preservation of life), which takes precedence over religious observances in life-threatening situations. The Rabbinate's concern was heightened following two recent incidents during the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, where combat soldiers in northern Israel and Gaza faced life-threatening conditions after fasting while on active duty.
This directive underscores the IDF's commitment to balancing religious observance with the paramount need for operational readiness and soldier safety in the context of ongoing regional tensions.
The IDF Spokesperson's office has confirmed these guidelines, which are now in effect across all military sectors.