The Palestine Chronicle / July 14, 2024
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) quoted a reserve soldier from the Golani Brigade on Sunday, who confirmed that the army is searching for soldiers and volunteers through private Facebook groups due to widespread fatigue among occupation soldiers.
The Israeli soldier reportedly said that the ongoing war is inflicting “psychological and economic damage” on the troops, Al-Jazeera reported, citing KAN.
He warned that if the current military policies persist, the army will struggle to recruit more soldiers.
The soldier also mentioned that the army is unprepared for a confrontation in Lebanon, with soldiers unable to navigate many areas there.
He also told KAN that the Israeli soldiers are exhausted and do not understand why they must repeatedly enter dangerous areas in Gaza City, referring to the army’s frequent operations in these neighborhoods where they face life-threatening risks.
The soldier highlighted that the Israeli army largely relies on reserve forces, who are now feeling increasingly worn out.
He called on military leaders to “wake up and understand the field.” He pointed out that the army’s shortage of personnel is demoralizing the fighters and undermining their resolve.
The soldier reiterated that Israeli soldiers are experiencing severe exhaustion and depletion as the conflict continues in both the Gaza Strip and along the northern border with Lebanon.
Recent reports in the Israeli media have revealed that hundreds of reserve soldiers are avoiding service by leaving without informing their commanders.
The army is facing a recruitment crisis, which has led to the extension of compulsory service to 36 months for the next eight years.
Additionally, the Israeli army has mandated the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), a move that has sparked a political crisis due to their long-standing exemptions from military service.
