Israel Cancels Military Service Exemptions, Ramps Up Mobilization for Gaza Operations

Tel Aviv – The Israeli army has canceled military service exemption decisions issued over the past ten years prior to October 7, 2023, in a move aimed at addressing a severe manpower shortage amid expanded military operations in the Gaza Strip, which are expected to continue until 2026, according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Wednesday.

Increase in Call-Up Orders

The newspaper reported that the number of call-up notices has nearly doubled, reaching around 27,000, with expectations for further increases in the coming days. So far, 18,000 reservists have responded to the orders and have been deployed across various units.

It added that about 40% of those called up submitted appeals for personal, health, or family reasons, but the army leadership rejected these appeals and ordered their compulsory return to service.

Mobilization Details

The mobilization orders apply to all soldiers under the age of 40. The army has opened the gates of the Tel Hashomer base to returning soldiers for personal interviews, aiming to assess and assign them to units with the greatest need.

Military leadership justified the decision by pointing to the urgent need to fill personnel gaps, especially in specialized fields such as medical staff and operators of engineering equipment working in combat zones.

Operations in Gaza

The move coincides with the beginning of the main phase of a ground operation to take control of Gaza City. The operation strategy includes aerial and naval firepower preparation, as well as the use of explosive-laden robots, followed by the entry of two army divisions for urban maneuvers inside the city.