IDF Chief of General Staff Gadi Eizenkot. Photo: IDF.

JNS.org – Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot has ordered all soldiers going on military leave for longer than three days to take their firearms with them, overturning previous regulations against the move.

“We will refresh instructions to soldiers on how to secure their firearms during their breaks,” an IDF source said, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The new order comes following the stabbing death of Sgt. Tuvia Yanai Weissman last week by two Palestinian terrorists. Weissman, 21, was killed while on military leave as he was shopping at the Rami Levy supermarket in Sha’ar Biyamin on Feb. 18. An armed civilian eventually rushed to the scene and shot both terrorists.

IDF Nahal Brigade Commander Col. Amos Hacohen has launched an investigation into Weisman’s death and will also review the military protocol on not allowing soldiers to leave bases with their firearms while on leave.