Unrest Surfaces in Israel due to Army's Reservist Recruitment Deficiency
In a week marked by protests, recruitment efforts, and preparations, Israel finds itself at a crossroads. The upcoming 70-day operation, scheduled to begin on September 11, has sparked controversy on multiple fronts.
Senior officers are using social media platforms to recruit combat-ready medics and snipers for the operation. A university student has reportedly been recruiting soldiers via WhatsApp, but there are no search results providing information about this recruitment drive.
Meanwhile, hundreds of reservists have refused duty, with some deeming the operation "patently illegal." Approximately 60,000 reservists are slated to be drafted in multiple waves for the operation, and some are filling gaps in regular battalions as units report smaller platoons and companies.
The protests against the operation have been directed at Israel's military over its Gaza City plan. On September 3, families of Israeli hostages gathered in Jerusalem, urging an end to the war to save both hostages and soldiers. Mothers of combat soldiers gathered at the city's entrance, echoing the same sentiments.
Protesters have staged rallies outside the Israeli parliament, the National Library, and the homes of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. At the National Library, dozens of protesters climbed onto the roof and unfurled banners accusing Netanyahu of abandoning citizens.
Parts of Gaza City have been ordered for evacuation ahead of expected heavy fighting. Israel has declared Gaza City, in the north of the territory, to be a combat zone. Four divisions are planned for deployment into Gaza City as part of the operation.
The protests have been marked by demonstrators calling for the release of 48 hostages in Gaza. In some instances, protesters have set fire to trash bins and one nearby vehicle caught fire. Police have negotiated with activists who refused to come down.
Yael Kuperman, one of the protesters, stated, "A state cannot abandon its citizens. The National Library overlooks the Knesset [the parliament]. We want to be seen."
The recruitment efforts and protests occur as tens of thousands of reservists are called up for the Israel Defense Forces. The operation is set to begin in a matter of days, with reservists training and preparing over the coming days before replacing regular forces in Israel's north and the West Bank.
As the countdown to the operation begins, the nation waits with bated breath, divided by the prospect of the operation and the protests that have accompanied it.
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