The IDF has rescinded an order forbidding its soldiers to accept offers of hospitality from Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria (Yehudah and Shomron). Kedumim Council head Hananel Dorani informed Arutz-7 of the change in policy on Friday.
Dorani explained that Samaria Brigade commander Colonel Itzik Bar had agreed to reverse the order following discussions with local Jewish leaders.
Soldiers will now be allowed to resume the unofficial policy by which they were permitted to join local families for Sabbath and holiday meals. However, soldiers will be required to remain with their units on Friday nights, and will be join families for meals only during the day.
Dorani praised the decision. “I welcome the Brigade commander's ruling, which emphasizes that the army and the residents here are on the same side,” he said.
Yesha (Judea and Samaria) Council head Danny Dayan welcomed the decision as well. The original order was “a moral failure,” he said, adding, “It's good that it was corrected.”
"I hope this is a sign of a new spirit within the Central Command,” he said.
In early October, Colonel Bar ordered soldiers to reject offers of hospitality and to eat all meals with their fellow soldiers. The IDF defended the decision as “simple logic,” and spokesmen said the order would allow the military to safeguard soldiers while they are on duty.
The order was also defended as necessary for troop solidarity.
Despite the official explanations, the order raised concerns among many Judea and Samaria Jews, due in part to its similarity to orders issued prior to the 2005 Disengagement from Gaza. Shortly before the forced removal of Jews from Gaza, IDF soldiers were ordered to stop accepting invitations from local Jewish families.