Israël is struggling with soldier shortage and looks at Diaspora and Reservists: ‘Initially everyone showed up, now only 50 percent’
According to sources within the army, the ground invasion in Gaza can last well in 2026. The operation focuses on densely built neighborhoods where Hamas has installed Guerrilla units, according to Israel. The use of reservists encounters practical and moral objections. Many of them are citizens who had previously served and suffer from exhaustion. Analyst Yossi Mekelberg points to the decreasing willingness: “Initially everyone showed up, now that is only 50 percent.”
The army is now looking at the Diaspora as an emergency solution, although for the time being it is a modest number of around 700 new soldiers a year. The refusal of ultra -orthodox Haredim to serve keeps tens of thousands of men outside the army. According to former General Giora Island there are hardly any good options, but there is still great confidence in the army.