The Israeli army is tired of fighting in Gaza for a year. The reserve army was called into the war. The country has fallen into a new crisis by increasing the scope of the war. In this situation, Israel is faced with the problem of collecting new troops. Especially, when they start a new war in Lebanon and suffer from a severe troop shortage.
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According to the Israeli army, around 300,000 reserve troops have been called up since the October 7, 2023 attack. Of these, 18 percent are over the age of 40, who are usually exempt.
Military training is compulsory for men and women in Israel from the age of 18, although there are some exceptions. The country is currently fighting a multi-front war against Hamas in Gaza and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel has lost 367 soldiers since it launched its military operation in Gaza on October 7 last year. In addition, 37 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the start of the campaign in Lebanon on September 30.
In this situation, the duty period of Israel's reserve forces has been extended. Many soldiers complained that they could not lead a normal life.
Ariel Seri-Levi, an Israeli reserve soldier, said on social media, "We are drowning." He said that since the attack on October 7, he has been called four times. This Israeli army spoke against those who are currently in favor of war. He said, we have to end this war, because we are running out of troops.
Another reservist said, "I lost my job due to fatigue and moral depression."
Many freelancers are forced to stop working because of the war. However, the Israeli government guarantees a minimum income for reserve troops.
More than 2,000 reservists' wives recently wrote in an open letter that the pressure needs to be eased on those serving.
52-year-old David Jenu has fought for 250 days this year. "It is an honor to serve the country and I will continue to do so as long as I can," he said. However, in this situation of war, we lack troops.
Israel's military is now facing a difficult reality in the army crisis. This has become a major challenge for the country's security.
Source: AFP
