Massive Military Mobilization Approved
The Israeli Defense Ministry has authorized the call-up of 60,000 reservists in preparation for a major offensive on Gaza City, Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday evening. The mobilization order comes as Israel prepares to occupy the northern Gaza Strip's largest urban center, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Phased Deployment Strategy
Approximately 50,000 reservists are expected to report for duty by September 2, 2025, with additional call-ups planned for later this year. Military officials emphasized that not all mobilized personnel will participate directly in the Gaza City assault—many will replace active-duty soldiers deployed elsewhere along Israel's multiple fronts.
International Condemnation Mounts
The decision to occupy Gaza City has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with several world leaders expressing concern about the humanitarian impact on the civilian population. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the offensive "can only lead to complete disaster" and would drag the region into "permanent war."
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza City residents have been given until October 7 to evacuate—the second anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel that killed 1,195 people and resulted in 251 hostages. The exact timing of the military operation remains undisclosed, adding to the uncertainty facing Palestinian civilians.
Domestic Resistance and Morale Issues
Within Israel, the planned offensive faces significant opposition. Many reservists who initially volunteered enthusiastically following the October 2023 attacks now express exhaustion and moral reservations about the mission's objectives. According to military analysts, only about half of called-up reservists currently report for duty, down from nearly universal compliance in the conflict's early stages.
Strategic Challenges
Yossi Mekelberg, analyst at Chatham House, noted that many reservists have already served over 400 days. "When you're exhausted and questioning the mission's purpose, willingness decreases significantly," he explained. The Israeli military faces not only operational challenges in urban warfare but also growing domestic dissent over the war's duration and objectives.
Regional Implications
The mobilization occurs amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and heightened tensions across the Middle East. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of "killing all prospects" for regional peace, while German officials expressed concern about the escalation's potential consequences.