Rising Discontent Among Israeli Reserve Forces Following Government Agreement

Security sources in Tel Aviv have reported growing discontent among Israeli reserve forces, raising concerns of a potential collective rebellion against military service. This unrest follows a controversial agreement between the Ministries of Defense and Finance that imposes new burdens on soldiers.
The newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" highlighted that the agreement was prepared without prior consultation with brigade and battalion leaders, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among reservists.

Reduction of Benefits and Psychological Support for Soldiers

The new agreement outlines a reduction in leave days allocated to reserve soldiers and removes psychological and social support compensation provided to soldiers and unit leaders after their service.
Military sources believe that while the planned reduction in reserve service time to approximately two and a half months by 2026, contingent on improved security conditions, may seem beneficial, it could practically worsen soldiers' conditions and heighten tensions within units.

Measures to Decrease Reserve Forces

Military sources indicated that these changes are part of a government plan to reduce the number of reserve soldiers available for service from 60,000 to 40,000 by 2026, aiming to cut expenses for the Ministry of Defense.

Criticism of Military Leadership

The Hebrew newspaper quoted a senior Israeli military official warning of the potential consequences of these decisions, suggesting they could lead to widespread disobedience among reserve forces.
The official stated that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has "abandoned reserve soldiers instead of defending their rights before government authorities."

Tensions Within Units and Resistance to New Decisions

Reports indicate rising tension in communication groups among reserve brigade leaders, with some discussing the possibility of refusing to implement the new decisions, particularly regarding the elimination of weekly leave for combatants in operational areas such as the buffer zone and Gaza Strip.
Despite orders to eliminate leave to increase reserve service days, some units reportedly continue to uphold current leave policies, reflecting the level of tension within the military institution.