IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Thursday wished Israel a happy Passover.
In his well-wishes, Gantz asked Israelis to spare a thought for IDF soldiers who continue to protect the nation during the holiday.
"This evening we gather around the Seder table to celebrate Passover with the Jewish people," he said. "Just like every day... IDF soldiers of the various units will be at Israel's borders, on patrols and posts, flying and on vessels – prepared for any incident that would require us to defend the security of Israel's civilian population."
Last Tuesday, Gantz broke with Israeli tradition and ordered all units to cancel the long-customary Passover leaves and remain on full alert over the holiday.
Over the years, an army-wide break during Passover became a tradition followed by all major military units, including the Air Force, Navy and intelligence corps.
Even the IDF headquarters building in Tel Aviv became a "no man's land" during Passover in previous years.
Gantz – who explained his decision saying that he "does not accept" the notion of a military "going on vacation" – said soldiers will have to divide their vacation days among themselves to ensure their units remain at full strength.
Following the firing of three Grad rockets at Eilat in the pre-dawn hours on Thursday, it was decided the IDF would go to its highest alert status for Passover – in addition to remaining at full strength.
Editor: Arutz Sheva joins Chief of Staff Gantz in asking our readers to save a special prayer of well being for the soldiers who stand watch over our people and land on this Passover holiday.