The Israeli military mobilizes tens of thousands of reservists for a fresh offensive on the Gaza Strip, but a large part of the troops refuse to appear in service. The problem concerns both individual and political objections to the planned operation.
On Tuesday, about 40,000 reservists were to enter the service, and another 20,000 were to be called in the following months. At the highest of the offensive under arms, there are about 130,000 soldiers called from the reserve.
Reasons for refusal of service
Recently, however, only 60-70 percent of reservists were placed in the service, and attendance this time will most likely not be higher, as reported by Ynet. Many reservists request that the service be postponed for individual or financial reasons, noted the Times of Israel service.
Some soldiers, however, do not pose themselves for political reasons. "The decision to conquer Gaza threatens hostages, soldiers and civilians. It was issued by a Messianic government, which has no legitimacy of the society and which cares only about its own political survival" - wrote a message by a group of reserveists "Soldiers for hostages".
The position was signed by respective 100 soldiers, who declared that due to the "dangerous illegality" of the government's decision they would not come into service. Mobilisation is intended to support a fresh offensive against the Gaza Strip, which aims to capture the city of Gaza - the largest centre of Palestinian urban territory.
Planned offensive on Gaza
The run is to affect the resettlement of about 1 million people from the city and surrounding areas, or about half of the population of the Gaza Strip. The fresh offensive is criticized worldwide due to the worsening of the tragic situation of Palestinian civilians.
According to aid organisations in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, including hunger, is worsening. The government declares that Gaza is the last bastion of Hamas and its capture is essential to militarily defeat this terrorist organization.
Opposition in Israel
The invasion of Gaza triggered a wave of opposition in Israel itself. The opposition and a large part of Israeli society argue the operation, pointing out that the run would put the soldiers and about 20 inactive alive Hamas hostages at risk.
During regular demonstrations, Israelis call on the government to enter into an agreement with Hamas alternatively of continuing the war to free the kidnapped. According to the polls, this position is supported by the majority of Israeli society.
The opposition accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjah of sabotaging talks of truce with Hamas and stalling the war for political benefit. Netanyahu is reportedly to satisfy the reluctant agreement of far-right coalitionists.
Tensions in command
Israeli media reports tensions between military commanders and the government. Chief of General Staff General Ejal Zamir had previously warned politicians that the fresh run would seriously strain the army's forces and could lead to long-term fighting.
During the Sunday gathering of the safety cabinet, Zamir was to meet again with the ministers, he handed Ynet over. On Tuesday, however, Zamir told the recently called reservists that "the war would not end until Hamas was completely defeated."
Some soldiers besides argue fresh vocations, marking the uneven distribution of the burden of war in society. This group points out that there are inactive no ultra-orthodox Jews in the service, even though the ultimate Court ruled in 2024 no grounds for collective dismissals of this group.
Sources used: "Ynet", "Times of Israel" Note: This article has been edited with the aid of Artificial Intelligence.
