Israeli Military Approves Removal of Protected Cars from Southern Railway Line

Jerusalem, 8 October, 2025 (TPS-IL) — In accordance with the operational situation assessment, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will allow, in coordination with Israel Railways, the removal of protective cars (those reinforced like bomb shelters) from the Ashkelon-Sderot railway line.

The removal of the protective cars, which are stationed on one of the tracks, will allow the railway line to be fully opened, explained the IDF.

Their removal was made possible after “significant operational activities” by IDF Southern Command forces in the northern Gaza Strip, and after an orderly battle procedure carried out in recent weeks.

The IDF considers the train an “important strategic national infrastructure for the State of Israel and a central factor in the process of rebuilding the western Negev, therefore all efforts were invested in enabling its return in the best and safest manner.”