Israel increases its reservist force

Israel’s military announced on Sunday that two additional brigades will be mobilized for operations in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that more reservists are required on the front line to protect the State of Israel and ensure the safety of its citizens.

This decision follows the withdrawal of most ground forces from the Palestinian enclave last week, as part of preparations for a mission in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing pressure from coalition partners to send troops into the city on the Egyptian border, where a large Palestinian population resides.

The US, a major military aid provider to Israel, has expressed concerns about potential civilian casualties in Rafah. Despite these challenges, Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, believe that defeating the Palestinian militant group Hamas is not possible without entering Rafah. The announcement of additional brigades comes after Israeli forces, with Western assistance, successfully repelled an attack by Iranian drones and missiles.

The IDF claimed to have intercepted 99% of the Iranian projectiles. IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that the military remains focused on its objectives in Gaza, accusing Hamas and Iran of seeking to escalate tensions in the region. The conflict in Gaza was sparked by a Hamas incursion into southern Israel in October, resulting in casualties on both sides.