What Happened: Israel faces a soldier shortage and exhausted reserves as its multi-front war with Gaza and Lebanon stretches over a year.
What you need to know: Israel is facing a major soldier shortage as its prolonged conflict with Gaza surpasses a year. According to an AFP report, the Israeli army’s reservists are fatigued, and the military is struggling with recruitment, particularly as tensions flare along the Lebanon border.
What more: Since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has mobilized around 300,000 reservists, with 18 percent being men over 40 who normally would be exempt. Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens at 18, but certain exemptions apply.
Also: Israel’s forces are stretched thin, engaging in both Gaza and Lebanon with Hezbollah. Since its ground offensive began in Gaza on October 27, 2023, the Israeli army has reported 367 soldier deaths there, with an additional 37 killed in Lebanon since Israel’s ground campaign commenced on September 30.
Additionally: The Ministry of Defense’s rehabilitation department also stated that around 12,000 Israeli soldiers and security personnel have been injured since October 2023, reflecting the conflict’s toll. Reserve duty periods have been extended, and some reservists are frustrated by disruptions to their daily lives, with some unable to return to normal routines for up to six months.