¨Israeli¨ soldier comforting another soldier. Photo: Ziv Koren/Polaris.
Hundreds of reservists have signed a letter to the government calling the occupation plan ‘illegal’ and vowing not to show up for duty
Israel’s call-up of tens of thousands of army reservists, which was sent out last month, came into effect on 2 September as soldiers were expected to show up for duty ahead of the planned assault to seize and occupy Gaza City.
The majority of the reservists have already served hundreds of days since Israel began its genocidal campaign against Gaza. They are now obligated to serve three additional months, and potentially a fourth depending on how the operation goes. However, there are major concerns about the morale of troops and about how many will actually report for duty.
Hundreds of soldiers have even come out against the operation and have threatened not to show up for service.
“This rotation is the toughest yet. Many feel conflicted over concerns for the hostages held by Hamas,” reservists told Haaretz newspaper.
Some reservists “have expressed that they do not believe in the government’s stated objectives,” Haaretz’s sources added.
Senior officials cited by the Israeli newspaper said there is a “crisis of trust” between the government and the military establishment, which is affecting the army.
The report says commanders in the reserves have been ordered to hold conversations and allow troops to express their opinions and feelings on the imminent attack to seize Gaza City and occupy it.
“We talk and say what we think, but there are no answers. I can’t recall such a heavy feeling in previous tours. Even just from talking with the commanders, it’s clear that we’re going into a war that even the IDF doesn’t want,” one reservist told the newspaper. “No one can tell me any fairy tales after 280 days of fighting in Gaza. I know Gaza, unfortunately. The conquest of Gaza has nothing to do with bringing back the hostages. Every one of us understands that.”
The report also reiterates recent concerns over turnout rates ahead of the operation.
It adds that the absenteeism is obvious to everybody, despite the army obscuring and downplaying the issue.
Another anonymous reservist told Haaretz that many had requested not to take part in the latest rotation. Army chief Eyal Zamir had suggested plans to avoid a large-scale call-up but was rejected by the government, the report added.
Previous reports revealed tensions between the government and the army chief, who went to great lengths pressing the prime minister over the danger the occupation plan poses to the captives held by the resistance in Gaza.
Zamir also told Netanyahu that the operation will put further unnecessary strain on Israeli troops.
Around 350 Israeli reservists have signed a joint statement addressing the government.
“The decision to embark on an operation to finally occupy Gaza is clearly illegal and will put the hostages, soldiers, and civilians at risk. If we are called to reserve duty – we will not report. We will not obey any orders that are sent,” said reservist Ron Feiner, while describing the joint statement during a press conference at the Zionist Organization of America.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on 1 September reported that “military commanders are struggling to find enough reservists willing to report for duty.”
Commanders are resorting to “unusual methods” such as using WhatsApp groups to recruit university students.
“I’m looking for combat soldiers, mainly medics and snipers for an operation of 70 days starting on 11 September. If there are reservists who are interested, please message me privately,” read one of the messages sent out, according to WSJ.
Last week, the New York Times (NYT) cited soldiers and officers as saying that the exhaustion and disillusionment facing the Israeli army have threatened to “complicate” Tel Aviv’s plans for the upcoming assault.
“It’s not clear how many of them will return to the fight,” NYT highlighted.
The report notes how a growing number of Israeli army reservists have not been showing up for service.
Around a dozen officers and soldiers told NYT that there are “depleted and exhausted units,” adding that 40 to 50 percent of their comrades were “not turning up for duty.”
Israeli forces are now operating on Gaza City’s outskirts, erasing infrastructure and causing mass destruction ahead of the large-scale attack and invasion.
In recent weeks, dozens have died of starvation, including children. Massacres are being committed by Israel against civilians on a daily basis.
Israel says the operation aims to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities, secure the release of captives, establish security control over the area, and demilitarize Gaza.
