Israel, Between Exhausted Reserve Forces and a Ceasefire

Israel has once again attacked its neighbors. Not only abroad, but domestically as well, people are weary of the war continuously waged by the Israeli government.

In a statement on Saturday (3/22/2025) evening Tel Aviv time, the Israeli military confirmed that it was launching attacks on Israel's neighbors. More than 200 attacks throughout Saturday alone. The previous day, Israel had bombarded Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon back and forth.

The Israeli military, Tzahal, stated that the series of attacks were carried out under the orders of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu's cabinet and Tzahal accused Israel's neighbors of refusing to make peace.

Accusations were made when Israel failed to agree on an extended ceasefire with Palestinian resistance groups. With Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel also did not implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024.

Whatever the reasons, whether internal or external to Israel, war requires resources. For the Israeli citizens, the continuation of the war signifies at least two things. First, Israel's series of attacks on Gaza endangers the safety of hostages. It has repeatedly been proven that Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of hostages. Therefore, the families of the hostages urge Israeli citizens to protest the series of attacks on Gaza and advocate for negotiations.

Second, war means that reserve troops must be called up. However, the number of reserve soldiers responding to this call has significantly decreased compared to the first call to war in October 2023. In addition to fatigue, there has also been a growing sense of distrust toward Netanyahu's government and the military's ability to free the remaining hostages.

Israeli media, Yedioth Ahronoth and Haaretz, reported a decline of up to 60 percent. Former Israeli national security advisor, Yaakov Amidror, stated that Israel needs more troops to continue the war in Gaza and other battlefields. Reserve forces are particularly needed for the army. "How many (troops) will show up?" he said.

Amidror's statement seems to describe the current situation of Israeli forces. Although Israel has made strong statements about deploying troops with increased strength, so far there are no signs of large-scale mobilization as seen in 2023.

Last year, the tzahal called up 300,000 reservists to bolster a standing army estimated at around 170,000.

However, for this attack, the number of troops to be deployed is not yet clear. Tzahal said he sent an elite infantry brigade to the Gaza border on Wednesday (3/19/2025). Then on Thursday (3/20/2025), Tzahal announced attacks and patrols along the coast on the northern and southern sides of the Gaza Strip.

Several reservists interviewed by Reuters said that as the war dragged on, many were struggling to balance military service with work, family and study. The difficulties have led to an increasing number of reservists asking to be discharged over time.

"My gut feeling is that as long as there are hostages there, I will join (the war). But right now I don't know," said a special forces reservist who asked not to be named.

As a special forces reservist, he spent about eight of the first 15 months of the war in Gaza, Lebanon and northern Israel. “There was a lot of distrust in the country’s leadership, and it was unclear whether military pressure would help the hostages,” the reservist said.

He also worries about the impact of the call to war on his wife and six children. One of them, he said, has prepared a eulogy for him.

Regarding the report of the decreasing response of the reserve forces this time, Tzahal said, based on data that is continuously reviewed and audited, there is no drastic change in the level of presence. The units are meeting their operational requirements.

Israel's reserve units have more recruits than they need at any given time. The gap is filled by deploying volunteers from other units. Tzahal said the reserve system is still able to fulfill its mission.

On the other hand, Israeli military leaders admit that fatigue is already a problem among reservists. “However, when needed, reservists are willing to drop what they are doing and risk their lives to defend their country,” said tzahal spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, adding that the tzahal has plans to ease their burden.

Hanoch Daube, a colonel who recently finished commanding reserve and regular forces in Gaza, said the reduction would not prevent the military from launching a major ground offensive if necessary.

According to Daube, the number of troops will likely be high at first. “However, if the offensive turns into a protracted guerrilla war without a clear strategic objective, it will eventually lead to troop exhaustion,” said Daube, who now heads a reserve association known as the Iron Sword Warriors Forum.

A reservist, scientist and father of five, said he would not hesitate to rejoin his tank unit if called back to Gaza. “I had a lot of criticism of this government even before the war, but this war is justified,” he said.

Another reservist from his unit, however, was not so sure. He said he had a deep bond with his comrades and might have returned for a while out of a sense of duty. Unfortunately, he would not have much faith in the mission this time.

"After October 7, we felt the country was falling apart. But the country is not falling apart now. They don't need us like before," he said.

Observers also say a return to a full-scale ground offensive against Hamas could be complicated amid fading public support, exhausted reserve troops and political challenges.

Netanyahu's decision to attack the Gaza Strip again and resume bombing on Tuesday has further angered some Israelis, who have since staged rallies, demonstrating against Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Protesters accuse the government of continuing the war for political reasons, and say the offensive is endangering the lives of hostages still held in Gaza.

But Netanyahu said the accusations were misplaced, insisting the raid was aimed at recovering the remaining 59 hostages.

Shoshani added that Tzahal has plans for various scenarios, including a ground operation if necessary. “The goal of this attack against Hamas is to cripple their capabilities, prevent them from carrying out terror attacks, and create pressure for the return of the hostages either through a military operation, or through some kind of political agreement,” Shoshani said Wednesday.

"All options are on the table," Shoshani added.

The demonstration turned chaotic. Clashes with police occurred.

Recent polls show that most people in Israel want Israel to resume talks. They hope the talks will reach a deal to end the war, release all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and see a full withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Three defense officials familiar with Israeli decision-making said the resumption of fighting would be gradual, opening the door to negotiations to extend the ceasefire. But they did not elaborate on the plan. (REUTERS)