More than a year after the outbreak of war with Gaza, the Israeli occupation forces are grappling with a severe strain on its reservists, facing challenges in recruitment while managing operations on multiple fronts, including a new front in Lebanon.
Since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, the Israeli military has mobilized approximately 300,000 reservists, 18% of whom are men over 40, typically exempt from mandatory service.This has created considerable strain as these older reservists are called upon for extended deployments. Within the Israeli occupation, military service is compulsory from age 18, with specific exemptions that include certain religious groups and medical deferments.
The Israeli occupation is waging war on two fronts: one in Gaza and the other in Lebanon. Hundreds of soldiers have perished in Gaza, and dozens more in the invasion of Lebanon, which started on September 30. However, it is unclear how many soldiers have perished in the cross-border operations carried out by Hezbollah.
Reservists have experienced prolonged duty, some unable to return to their lives for up to six months. In some cases, the impact of this prolonged service has been devastating for reservists' livelihoods. A father of two, who spoke anonymously to AFP, reported losing his job due to his extended service.