350 Israeli reservists refuse service over Gaza City occupation

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Israeli media
2 Sep 2025 21:29

Around 350 Israeli reservists signed a statement refusing to report for service, rejecting the cabinet’s plan to occupy Gaza City and calling it illegal and dangerous.

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Israeli occupation soldiers move on armored personnel carriers (APC) near the Gaza border, in southern Palestine, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 (AP)

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, around 350 Israeli reservists have signed a public statement refusing to comply with the cabinet's decision to carry out a full occupation of Gaza City. The move signals growing dissent among military personnel over the government’s policies in the ongoing war on Gaza.

At a press conference held on Monday, Ron Feiner, a reservist and member of the organization Soldiers for the Kidnapped, declared that “The decision to launch a final occupation of Gaza is completely illegal and puts hostages, soldiers, and civilians at risk.”

Feiner confirmed that the signatories would not comply with any potential “Order No. 8”, which would call them back into service, asserting that the occupation of Gaza lacks operational or security justification.

He described the move as “political, dangerous, and serving an extremist minority at the expense of the security of the settlers.”

Soldiers say occupation endangers captives, civilians

Feiner also pointed out that senior former and current military officials, including the chief of staff and the head of the National Security Council, have warned that the proposed operation could endanger captives held in Gaza, worsen civilian suffering, and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the Strip.

Another reservist, Dor Menachem, said, “The same values that drove us to leave our homes and families on October 7 are now driving us to say enough is enough.”

He criticized the government led by Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich, accusing it of failing to take responsibility for the events of October 7. “Continuing the war threatens the security of the state and the future of everyone,” he added.

The group announced plans to set up a protest camp in front of the Kirya, the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, from Thursday to Saturday, September 11–13, to demand an end to the war and the return of prisoners.

Growing dissent, growing fatigue

The refusal of hundreds of reservists marks a significant public challenge to the occupation policy and reflects wider unease within “Israel’s” military circles. The protest echoes rising calls from within Israeli society for accountability and a shift in policy toward Gaza.

Military commanders are also struggling to gather enough reservists to carry out the mission. After nearly two years of relentless fighting across multiple fronts, fatigue has set in, and growing numbers of troops are questioning the purpose and legitimacy of the war.

The military is now attempting to pull approximately 60,000 reservists from civilian life, including from jobs, universities, and families. According to over 30 officers and soldiers interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, morale is deteriorating rapidly, with many warning that the force is approaching a breaking point.

Some commanders have resorted to unusual tactics to fill the ranks. One message posted in a WhatsApp group for university students read: “I’m looking for combat soldiers, mainly medics and snipers, for an operation of 70 days starting on September 11. If there are reservists who are interested, please message me privately.”