Israel’s military announced it will call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of an additional 20,000 currently serving troops as it prepares for an expanded military operation in Gaza City. The move, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz, marks the largest reservist mobilization in months and comes as international and domestic pressure for a ceasefire intensifies.
The new offensive, codenamed “Gideon’s Chariots B,” aims to clear areas of Gaza City where the military believes Hamas remains active, particularly targeting the militant group’s extensive underground tunnel network. The call-up is set to occur in waves, with the majority of the reservists expected to be on active duty by early September. Some will be deployed to Gaza, while others will replace regular forces on other fronts.
This significant mobilization carries economic and political weight within Israel, a country of fewer than 10 million people. It follows large-scale protests in recent days where hundreds of thousands of Israelis have called for an end to the conflict and a deal to secure the release of remaining hostages. The announcement also coincides with renewed mediation efforts led by Qatar and Egypt.
Humanitarian groups have voiced serious concerns, warning that an expanded assault on one of the most densely populated areas of Gaza could worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis. Most of Gaza’s population has been displaced multiple times, and medical and aid facilities are already overwhelmed. Despite these warnings, Israeli military officials stated that the offensive will proceed, with preparations already underway on the outskirts of Gaza City.