Search Results
8/11/2025, 3:35:56 PM
Reservist fatigue, hostage risks and global pressure complicate Gaza conquest plans
IDF faces critical decisions on when and how many reservists to mobilize for the planned Gaza ground offensive;
The military is taking into account the exhaustion of reservists repeatedly mobilized since the Oct. 7 outbreak of hostilities, as well as the challenges posed by the summer vacation period affecting soldiers’ families. In recent weeks, commanders have released reservists and arranged temporary replacements from regular officers still undergoing training.
Among the plans under review is the evacuation of approximately 800,000 Palestinians from northern Gaza City. After military approval of these plans, the operation’s details—including combat methods and phase timelines—will require further approval by the cabinet.
Military planners are also weighing a range of constraints, including humanitarian concerns, diplomatic pressures, and technical readiness of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and ammunition stocks. These concerns are heightened by the possibility of increased military boycotts from countries such as Germany.
A major challenge remains the location and safety of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The military anticipates that Hamas will reinforce defenses around captives and may disperse them in the coming weeks. Zamir has made clear that IDF forces will not attack areas where hostages are known to be held, reaffirming a red line despite pressures from some political figures.
Zamir has also emphasized that forces operating in Gaza will receive necessary rest periods, even if rotations prolong the fighting beyond four to six months. He has highlighted the uncertainty faced by troops and reservists, noting broken promises regarding reservist service durations. Some reservists scheduled for deployment later this year remain uncertain about their future calls, causing strain for them and their families.
IDF faces critical decisions on when and how many reservists to mobilize for the planned Gaza ground offensive;
The military is taking into account the exhaustion of reservists repeatedly mobilized since the Oct. 7 outbreak of hostilities, as well as the challenges posed by the summer vacation period affecting soldiers’ families. In recent weeks, commanders have released reservists and arranged temporary replacements from regular officers still undergoing training.
Among the plans under review is the evacuation of approximately 800,000 Palestinians from northern Gaza City. After military approval of these plans, the operation’s details—including combat methods and phase timelines—will require further approval by the cabinet.
Military planners are also weighing a range of constraints, including humanitarian concerns, diplomatic pressures, and technical readiness of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and ammunition stocks. These concerns are heightened by the possibility of increased military boycotts from countries such as Germany.
A major challenge remains the location and safety of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The military anticipates that Hamas will reinforce defenses around captives and may disperse them in the coming weeks. Zamir has made clear that IDF forces will not attack areas where hostages are known to be held, reaffirming a red line despite pressures from some political figures.
Zamir has also emphasized that forces operating in Gaza will receive necessary rest periods, even if rotations prolong the fighting beyond four to six months. He has highlighted the uncertainty faced by troops and reservists, noting broken promises regarding reservist service durations. Some reservists scheduled for deployment later this year remain uncertain about their future calls, causing strain for them and their families.
Page 1