All IDF soldiers stationed at the Sayarim Base near Eilat moved into air-conditioned living quarters, the IDF announced on Friday evening, a day after an incident where six soldiers at the base fainted due to the high temperatures.
The soldiers were participating in a border defense training course when the incident occurred.
Thursday's incident saw a malfunction at the base's air conditioning system at the height of the heatwave in Israel.
The base commander held a conversation last night with the soldiers’ parents, who voiced criticism over the series of events that led to the soldiers fainting.
In the conversation, their complaints were addressed, and according to the IDF, “are being handled by commanders on the ground.” It was also announced that guard duty hours for soldiers over the weekend will be shortened.
Ice and fruit supplies have been increased, and fans have been placed at guard posts. Commanders are preparing by increasing the supply of drinking water and ice to help cool the soldiers remaining on the base.
Training to resume on base
Following an IDF situational assessment on Friday, training will resume for the female observational soldiers at the base on Tuesday.
The base had also reportedly gone two days without electricity amidst the heatwave, according to Army Radio.
Planned power outages are also to be expected as the base's air conditioning system will be repaired, Army Radio added. IDF commanders are preparing by bringing more drinking water and ice supplies for the soldiers.