Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists will return to active duty in the coming weeks as divisions deepen within their ranks over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, mirroring broader societal disagreements in the country.
Some must decide whether to report for service within days. The Israel Defense Forces began mobilizing a large number of reservists this week after initially summoning 60,000 for an expanded operation in Gaza City, one of the few areas in the devastated region not yet under its control. More could be called up if the fighting extends for months, as analysts predict.
Many reservists interviewed by *CuriosityNews* last week said they would face a difficult decision if asked to serve again, citing personal and ideological reasons. Still, few said they would outright refuse.
“We’re ready to sacrifice everything… but the harsh reality is that we’re now losing lives for no clear purpose,” said Aviad Yisraeli, a combat medic stationed in Gaza last month. “Militarily, there’s little left to achieve… yet halting the war with Hamas still holding power, hostages, and leaving Israeli border communities at risk also seems unacceptable. These are impossible questions.”
Many oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government and want the war to end immediately to secure the release of remaining hostages.
“I never trusted this leadership… Every time I’ve returned to service since March 2024, it’s been with deep reluctance,” said a 47-year-old paratrooper who has served 450 days since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 people and kidnapped 250. “If I go back, it’s only out of loyalty to my unit—they’re like family, and I owe them everything.”
A July poll showed that 75% of Israelis supported a hostage deal, and over half rated Netanyahu’s handling of the war poorly.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has reportedly killed over 63,000 people, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly all 2.3 million residents multiple times. Large areas have been reduced to ruins.
Recent polling revealed nearly three-quarters of Jewish Israelis at least partly agreed with the government’s assertion that “there are no innocents in Gaza.”
The paratrooper admitted, “After 7 October, I didn’t dwell on Palestinian suffering… Gaza had to be hit for that attack. I accepted that—hostages come first. But their pain still affects me, even if less than before.”
Yet many reservists, like much of the public, remain unwavering in their support for the offensive.
“It’s a prolonged battle, but we have no choice,” said Erez Eshel, a reservist colonel with 550 days served. “Is it exhausting? Yes. Painful? Yes. But for Israel’s future, we must continue.”
Read next
"TikTok star highlights political power of South Africa's unsung culinary treasures"
Solly’s Corner, a popular eatery in downtown Johannesburg, was busy. Pieces of hake and crisp fries crackled in the fryer, green chillies were chopped, and generous amounts of homemade sauce were spread onto filled sandwiches.
Broadcaster and food enthusiast Nick Hamman stepped behind the counter, where Yoonas and Mohammed
Nazi-looted 18th-century portrait found in Argentina after 80 years
There was nothing particularly unusual about the middle-aged couple living in the low, stone-covered villa on Calle Padre Cardiel, a quiet street in the tree-lined Parque Luro neighborhood of Mar del Plata, Argentina’s most well-known coastal city.
Patricia Kadgien, 58, was originally from Buenos Aires, roughly five hours north.
"An aristocrat hid her Jewish lover in a sofa bed amid daring acts of German resistance to the Nazis"
Resistance in the Shadows: Germans Who Defied the Nazis
Growing up, our home had a steadfast rule: nothing German was permitted. No appliances from German manufacturers in the kitchen, no cars from German automakers in the driveway. The decree came from my mother. She was not a survivor of the