Israel mobilizes tens of thousands of soldiers. Many reservists refuse to serve

On Tuesday, the Israeli army started mobilizing 60,000 reservists needed for the new offensive for the Gaza Strip. This is the largest mobilization from Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The media reports that many reservists refuse to serve or ask for postponement.

On Tuesday, approx. 40 thousand were to report to service. reservists. Another 20 thousand is to be appointed in the following months. The service of already summoned reservists was also extended. At the peak of the new offensive to the Gaza Strip under the arms, there are about 130 thousand. soldiers appointed from the reserve.

Recently, 60-70 percent have appeared to service. Reservists and attendance this time will probably not be higher – wrote Ynet.

Many reservists ask for postponement of service for personal or financial reasons – said Times of Israel. Some soldiers, however, do not appear for service for other reasons.

“The decision to conquer Gaza threatens hostages, soldiers and civilians. It was issued by a messianic government, which has no society legitimacy and which only cares for its own political survival” – wrote on a statement of a group of reservists “Soldiers for hostages” issued on Tuesday. The position was signed by several hundred soldiers. They declared that due to the “gross illegality” of the government, they would not appear to service.

The army decided to mobilize, planning the implementation of the new offensive adopted by the government to the Gaza Strip, assuming the capture of the city of Gaza – the largest urban center of Palestinian territory. The campaign is to be associated with the resettlement of about a million people located in the city and around, i.e. about half of the population of the Gaza Strip.

The new offensive is criticized in the world. It is emphasized that it will worsen the tragic situation of Palestinian civilians. According to aid organizations, the humanitarian crisis, including hunger, is deepening in the Gaza Zone.

The gauze invasion also caused a wave of opposition in Israel itself. The opposition and a large part of the Israeli society oppose it, indicating that the campaign will expose soldiers and about 20 still living Hamas hostages. During numerous, regular demonstrations, the Israelis calls the government to conclude an agreement with Hamas instead of continuing the war, which would allow the release of the kidnapped.

According to the polls, this position is supported by the majority of Israeli society. The government declares that Gaza is the last bastion of Hamas and its acquisition is necessary to militarily overcome this terrorist organization. The opposition has long been accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is sabotaging talks about a truce with Hamas and stretches a war for political benefits to satisfy the extremely right -wing coalition partners.

Israeli media reported tensions between military commanders and the government. The Chief of General Staff of General Ejal ZamiR was already warned by politicians that the new campaign would seriously strain the army forces and could lead to long -term fights and the need for Israel to take responsibility for the population in occupied territories.

During the Sunday meeting of the security office, the next clashes of Zamira with the ministers were to take place – said Ynet. On Tuesday, however, he told newly called reservists that “the war would not end until Hamas was completely defeated.”

Some soldiers are also opposed to new calls, indicating that the burden of war is unevenly distributed in society. This group draws attention to the fact that ultra -ogical Jews (Charedim) are still not incorporated into service. About 80,000 are qualified for consumption. young men from this community.

Charedim was traditionally released from service, but this group is currently an increasing percentage of Israeli society. The Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that there are no grounds for collective dismissals. However, the issue of Charedim's military service remains the subject of political dispute with religious groups representing them and the present in the coalition.

From Jerusalem Jerzy Adamiak (PAP)

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