IDF Preparing to Mobilize Tens of Thousands of Reservists in Next 48 Hours - Reports

The Israeli Defense Forces is preparing to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists in the next two days to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has announced plans to significantly expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, with the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists. This decision comes in preparation for an escalation of the ongoing conflict, as reported by Israeli media on Saturday [1].

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security consultation on Saturday, where the IDF presented its plans for a new offensive in Gaza. The proposed offensive aims to increase pressure on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group controlling the Gaza Strip, to agree to a hostage release deal. The offensive is not expected to begin before US President Donald Trump's visit to the region from May 13 to 16 [2].

The IDF has outlined its operational plans to Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for substantial mobilization. The security cabinet is set to meet on Sunday to vote on formally approving the plans, which Netanyahu has already greenlit. The current objective of the campaign is to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages, rather than aiming to dismantle the group entirely [1].

The reservists, who are expected to report for duty starting next week, have likely been mobilized multiple times during the conflict. The IDF has stated that the call-up of reservists is part of its staged plans to increase pressure on Hamas, which has been refusing to agree to a deal. Some reservists may be deployed to other fronts, such as Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, to replace regular army soldiers who will lead the new offensive in Gaza [3].

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, with the blockade on aid entering its third month. International organizations are warning of dire conditions, including scenes of starvation and fights over water. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 2,326 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign in Gaza, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,418 [1].

The IDF has stated that the return of the 59 hostages still held by Hamas is the most important goal of the war, with defeating the terror group in second place. The IDF has assessed that Hamas still has organized forces in some areas of the Gaza Strip, particularly in its center, where the group is working to preserve its "quality" fighters [2].

The IDF's planned offensive is expected to include operations in additional areas of the Gaza Strip. The military has emphasized that the offensive is aimed at pressuring Hamas, rather than destroying the group, and that the reservists are being called up solely out of "practical and operational interests" [3].

References:

[1] https://enewstime.in/israeli-army-orders-mass-reservist-call-up-ahead-of-gaza-offensive-expansion.html
[2] https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-calls-up-tens-of-thousands-of-reservists-ahead-of-expanded-gaza-offensive/
[3] https://unn.ua/en/news/israel-prepares-to-expand-military-operation-in-gaza-and-mobilizes-reservists

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