Declining turnout threatens Netanyahu's military objectives
Israeli military plans to occupy Gaza City face significant challenges as increasing numbers of reserve soldiers refuse to report for duty, citing exhaustion and disillusionment after nearly two years of war, The New York Times reported.
On Aug. 8, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, which involves displacing around 1 million Palestinians southward, surrounding the city, and occupying it after intense attacks.
Israel plans to mobilize 60,000 additional reservists and extend service for 20,000 more to support the occupation plans. But military officials are unsure about how many will actually serve, as reservist attendance has steadily declined in recent months.
According to the newspaper, around a dozen officers and soldiers described depleted units, with at least two reporting that 40%-50% of reservist colleagues failed to appear for duty. One soldier noted his 100-strong company had dwindled to 60 members, while another infantry soldier reported only half his team responded to recent call-ups.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel's military chief, reportedly objected to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expand the Gaza offensive, partly due to concerns over reservist readiness, according to Israeli security officials cited by the newspaper.
Initially, reservist turnout exceeded 100% as volunteers rushed to join the fight. However, prolonged conflict has created mounting personal pressures, with soldiers citing strained marriages, career difficulties and mental health concerns.
Beyond logistical challenges, some reservists have begun refusing service on ideological grounds, arguing the war has lost direction or it is "no longer just." Reserve Captain Ron Feiner received a 25-day military prison sentence for refusing deployment, stating the government was prolonging the war "even if it means leaving the hostages behind."
The situation is further complicated by government exemptions for ultra-Orthodox religious students from conscription, creating resentment among repeatedly deployed reservists, who view this as unfair burden-sharing.
Israel has killed at least 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
