The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is mobilizing 60,000 reservists in preparation for upcoming operations in Gaza City, marking what they describe as the final Hamas stronghold to be targeted in their six-month campaign to control the area.
On Wednesday, the IDF issued a statement detailing the situation:
This morning, around 60,000 pre-orders were mobilized as part of the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Tank. Additionally, the 20,000 reserves that had already been called up will receive extended notifications for their service.
This decision followed thorough discussions on the personnel requirements necessary to continue the operation, which received approval from the Minister of Defense after reviewing all potential impacts.
The IDF aims to continue assessing reserve personnel while appreciating their contributions to Israel’s security and ensuring fair service conditions and responsibility distribution.
The initiative involves a multi-stage assault on Gaza City, beginning with evacuation warnings for civilians. The IDF plans to surround Gaza before pushing deeper into the city, targeting areas where Hamas’s infrastructure remains intact.
In total, the mobilization of 60,000 reservists will occur in several phases. A significant portion, around 40,000-50,000, is expected to be called up on September 2nd. Additional waves of mobilization are planned for between November and December, as well as for February to March 2026.
The IDF is extending the service of many currently active reservists by 30-40 days, potentially bringing the total to approximately 130,000 at certain points during the operation.
This operation has two primary objectives: first, to dismantle any remaining Hamas presence while also attempting to secure the release of around 50 Israeli hostages. Second, it seeks to exert military pressure on Hamas to negotiate for their release, with Israel believing that only the threat of total destruction will push Hamas to engage in talks.
In recent weeks, Israel has been actively facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, increasing the capacity and safety of medical facilities to offer shelter to civilians displaced by the conflict.
