Punch reports that Israel’s army is severely short-staffed as it fights Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon on multiple fronts more than a year into the conflict. Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, onslaught, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have activated almost 300,000 reservists, with about 18% of them being over 40, an age group typically exempt from forced service.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In Israel, military service begins at 18 for men and women, though numerous exemptions apply, and the strain on those serving has become intense.
The IDF launched a ground offensive in Gaza on October 27, 2023, and has lost 367 soldiers in Gaza while 37 have been killed in Lebanon since Israel expanded operations there on September 30 this year.
Extended deployment times mean some reservists have been unable to return to civilian life for as long as six months.
As the campaign continues, many soldiers are becoming physically and emotionally exhausted, highlighting the human toll of Israel’s military efforts and underscoring a growing need for manpower.
Reservist Ariel Seri-Levy voiced frustration and exhaustion on social media, a message that quickly went viral.“We’re drowning,” he wrote, sharing that he had been called up four times since the October 2023 Hamas attack.
He also expressed concern over the prolonged duration of the conflict, calling for a resolution.
“We have to end this war because we are out of soldiers,” he said, noting that while he remained committed to serving, “the concessions have become too great.”
His words reflect the broader sentiment among many reservists who are increasingly concerned about balancing their commitment to national defense with the personal toll it exacts.
Some reservists face even more serious personal costs. An anonymous reservist and father of two told AFP that he had lost his job due to the prolonged service requirements.
Freelancers and small business owners, in particular, struggle to sustain their livelihoods while serving.
Although the Israeli government guarantees a minimum income for reservists, it is not always enough to cover the gap left by their absence from the workforce.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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