Israel’s Reserve Forces Strained After a Year of War
A yearafter the outbreak of the Gaza war, Israeli reserve forces are facing exhaustion, according to a reportby Agence France-Presse (AFP). With Israel opening a new front in Lebanon, the army is struggling to recruit soldiers.
The report states that approximately 300,000 Israeli reservists have been called up since Hamas launched its attack on October 7, 2023. This includes 18% of men over 40, who were previously exempt from military service. Israel has extended reserve service periods, leading to complaints from some reservists who have been unable to resume their normal lives for up to six months.
We areexhausted, wrote reserve soldier Arielle Seri-Levi on social media, a post that has been shared thousands of times. Seri-Levi, who has been called up four times since October 7, criticized those who want Israel to stayin Lebanon and Gaza. He stated, We have to end this war because we are running out of soldiers. While expressing his willingness to serve his country, he admitted, The sacrifices have been too great.
Another reserve soldier, a father of two who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP, Besides thephysical fatigue and mental exhaustion, I lost my job.
The report highlights the toll the war has taken on Israel’s military. According to Israeli figures, 367 soldiers have been killed in the Gaza war since October 27, 2023, when the Israeli army launched a ground offensive. In Lebanon, 37 soldiers have been killed since the Israeli ground operation began on September 30.
The strain on reserve forces is a significant challenge for Israel as it faces multiple fronts. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, coupled with the new front in Lebanon, has placed a heavy burden on the military. Theextended deployments and the emotional toll of war are taking their toll on reservists, many of whom are struggling to balance their military obligations with their civilian lives.
The situation raises concerns about the long-term impact of the war on Israel’s military readiness. The exhaustion of reserve forces could affect the army’s abilityto sustain its operations and respond effectively to future threats. The government is facing increasing pressure to find a solution to the manpower shortage and address the concerns of the reservists.
The war has also had a significant impact on the Israeli economy. The prolonged conflict has disrupted businesses, caused unemployment, and strained the national budget. Thegovernment has implemented measures to support the economy, but the long-term consequences of the war remain uncertain.
The situation in Israel highlights the complex challenges facing the country as it navigates a protracted conflict. The exhaustion of reserve forces, the economic impact of the war, and the potential for further escalation are all factorsthat will shape the future of the conflict.
References:
- Agence France-Presse. (2024, October 30). Israel’s reserve forces strained after a year of war. [News article]. Retrieved from [URL of news article].
Note: This article is based onthe provided information and has been written according to the specified requirements. It is important to consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Israel.
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