The Israeli Occupation Forces have reportedly threatened their soldiers with prosecution if they do not return to Gaza to continue the ongoing genocide in the Strip amid increasing refusal cases in recent months. 

Approximately 20 IOF soldiers from an infantry brigade have refused to return to Gaza, "Israel's" KAN public broadcaster reported, with around 10 of the soldiers receiving official warnings stating they would face prosecution for disobeying military orders. 

Families of the IOF soldiers claim that their military relatives “are forced to conduct ground maneuvers in Gaza or face prison," adding “There are only a few soldiers left in their company who are capable of fighting... This is our time as parents to help them confront a system that does not care about them."

Some members of the IOF have said that although they are unable to return to the Gaza Strip, they are willing to assume other duties. 

The occupation's Minister of Security, Yoav Gallant, stated last month that Tel Aviv needs 10,000 new soldiers immediately amid manpower shortages.

Israeli media: Drop in willingness of IOF to continue military service

A survey obtained by Ynet in May revealed that only 42% of permanent IOF officers wish to sign up for continued service, a decrease from 49% before the war. The reasons include extreme attrition, damage to family life, and dissatisfaction with salaries.

According to the survey, which was conducted by the IOF Personnel Division, there has been a significant decrease in the willingness of permanent officers to stay.

Only 42% responded positively to whether they wanted to continue their service, compared to 49% in August 2023. However, the decrease in motivation is further evidenced by another factor discussed within the ACA: the increase in the number of referrals by officers to the IOF's retirement department during the war.

Additionally, the survey revealed that only 30% of Israeli officers were satisfied with their salary levels. In contrast, 60% of respondents in the private sector expressed satisfaction with their salaries. While some disparity between the military system and the private sector is expected, a gap of this magnitude indicates significant anger and resentment among service members, whose importance is universally acknowledged.

On a similar note, earlier this month, it was revealed that 10 IOF soldiers have committed suicide since October 7, some during confrontations in the Gaza envelope settlements, Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed.

Experts cited by the newspaper stated that while most suicides among the IOF involve young soldiers, the events of October 7 have had an unusual psychological impact on IOF personnel in general.

The newspaper also reported that the IOF have had to unexpectedly address suicidal tendencies among soldiers and officers, both in permanent military service and in the reserves, particularly those in their thirties and forties.