Israel Mobilizes 50,000 Reservists for Planned Gaza Offensive

The Israeli military is set to call up approximately 50,000 reservists as part of a newly approved plan to launch an offensive aimed at capturing Gaza City and controlling the broader Gaza Strip. This decision was confirmed by Defense Minister Yoav Katz, who outlined the strategy during a briefing with foreign reporters on October 25, 2023. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for a “gradual, precise, and targeted operation” in the area.

According to an IDF official, the mobilization of reservists will commence in the coming days. The IDF currently has a total of 120,000 reservists available, but the bulk of the military efforts in Gaza will be conducted by existing conscript soldiers. These forces are already engaged in operations on the outskirts of Gaza City, particularly in the neighborhoods of Jabaliya and Zeitoun.

In tandem with military preparations, Israeli officials are making efforts to enhance humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. This includes opening additional distribution points and facilitating the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones. On October 24, COGAT, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, criticized the United Nations for allegedly misreporting the volume of aid entering Gaza. COGAT claimed that while the UN reported 3,553 trucks had entered the area, Israel had actually facilitated the entry of nearly 9,200 trucks, representing a discrepancy of almost 6,000 trucks.

The humanitarian situation remains tense, with around 400 trucks entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings on Tuesday. In addition, over 350 trucks were processed by the UN and international organizations, along with 185 pallets of aid delivered via airdrops.

As the IDF prepares for this military operation, dubbed Operation “Gideon’s Chariots B,” the Israeli government has also approved a budget of $473 million for humanitarian aid in Gaza as part of the 2025 budget increase. This decision has sparked significant debate within the security cabinet, particularly among ministers who advocate for increased funding for security measures in Israeli schools.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Education Minister Yoav Kisch expressed strong opposition to the humanitarian aid allocation, arguing it detracts from necessary security funding. Ben-Gvir stated, “At a time when the Finance Ministry wants to expand the budget for humanitarian aid, it is harming the security of our children.” Kisch echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the safety of students must be prioritized.

The plan has also drawn sharp criticism from opposition legislators. Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, condemned the government’s decision to cut health services, calling it “disgraceful” and suggesting that funding could be redirected from unnecessary ministries. Lapid remarked, “The worst government in Israel’s history is cutting healthcare, education, and welfare.”

These developments underscore the ongoing complexities of Israel’s military and humanitarian strategies in the region, revealing the challenges the government faces in balancing military objectives with humanitarian responsibilities. As tensions continue, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both military and civilian populations in Gaza and Israel.