AhlulBayt News Agency: Facing a growing manpower crisis, the Israeli military has announced plans to mobilize thousands of reservists as it prepares for a major escalation in its war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
The move comes amid Israel’s rejection of a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. According to Hebrew media, including Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli forces are preparing for intensified operations, particularly in Rafah, southern Gaza, where the 36th Division continues its offensive.
Reports indicate that several reserve officers have already been warned to be ready for immediate call-up. Although the military initially planned to limit reserve duty to 2.5 months in 2025, growing operational demands have forced battalions into extended tours. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir described the situation as “severe force depletion,” emphasizing the army’s inability to meet its operational goals without additional reservists.
Zamir also urged penalties for draft evaders, indirectly criticizing the ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jewish community, which has long been exempt from military service. Despite plans to issue approximately 24,000 draft notices to Haredi youth by the end of June, only 300 have been formally processed, with enforcement remaining lax due to the policies of Israel’s hardline cabinet.
Israeli outlets including Channel 12, Kan, and Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held security consultations this week regarding the “substantial mobilization” of occupation forces. A cabinet meeting is scheduled for Sunday to vote on the proposed military expansion in Gaza, which has seen increasing violence since the breakdown of a ceasefire in March.
Meanwhile, public dissent among reservists is growing. Thousands have reportedly signed letters calling on the government to halt its campaign in Gaza. Israel resumed its deadly offensive on March 18, breaching a two-month truce and unleashing a new wave of destruction.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported Thursday that at least 2,326 Palestinians have been killed since Israeli strikes resumed. Overall, more than 52,400 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military actions against the Palestinian population.
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