The IDF Military Rabbinate has published a detailed halachic ruling ahead of Tisha B'Av, clarifying that combat soldiers, combat support units, and any personnel on operational duty or standby must eat and drink normally to maintain readiness. The ruling states that soldiers may not attempt to reduce their intake, and must resume fasting if the operational need ends during the day.
Earlier this evening (19:41 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported that the IDF Military Rabbinate had issued a halachic ruling exempting combat soldiers from the Tisha B'Av fast for operational readiness. The detailed ruling, now published, expands on the exemption: it applies to all combat soldiers, combat support units (including mechanics and drone operators), and any personnel on standby who may be called to action. The ruling explicitly prohibits soldiers from trying to minimize their food intake, stating they must eat and drink normally and do not need to consume in measured portions ('shiurim'). It also clarifies that if the operational necessity ends during the day, the soldier must resume fasting.
The ruling, formulated by the IDF's Halacha Branch (ענף ההלכה), takes into account military needs in Lebanon and across all sectors. It emphasizes that maintaining operational readiness and preventing danger to life override the obligation to fast. The ruling is published in the 'Halacha Ke-Sidra' booklet.
This policy reflects the ongoing operational demands on IDF forces, as the military continues to operate in multiple theaters. The fast of Tisha B'Av, which commemorates the destruction of the Temples, begins at sunset on Wednesday.
2 developments
- DevelopingIDF soldier Benji appeals for protective vests ahead of critical mission on Tisha B'Av
- DevelopingIDF warns all soldiers nearing discharge will receive immediate emergency call-up orders
- DevelopingTisha B'Av 2026: The Zioneer publishes fasting times for Israel and US
- DevelopingTel Aviv cafe says it will remain open on Tisha B'Av, sparking debate
Source and signal
- Internal intake