As Israel prepares for a major operation in Gaza City, senior military officers warn that many of the 60,000 mobilized reservists may refuse to report for duty, frustrated by prolonged deployments, skeptical of the mission, and struggling with personal and economic pressures.

The group Standing Together – Soldiers for the Hostages held a press conference Tuesday to announce that its members will refuse to report for reserve duty, calling the planned Gaza City operation clearly illegal. It remains unclear how many reservists will follow the group’s call.

60,000 mobilized

On Aug. 20, the military issued mobilization orders for 60,000 reservists after the security cabinet approved the planned operation in Gaza City, where at least some of the remaining Israeli hostages are believed to be held and 800,000 Palestinians live. The orders were sent out roughly two weeks before duty day, which begins on Sept. 2, allowing parents who were called up to accompany their children on the first day of school, Sept. 1. Fifteen thousand of the 60,000 were instructed to report on Sept. 2, forming five reserve brigades, while the remaining 45,000 will be called up in stages over the following days.