Israeli Reserve Forces Face Discontent Over New Government Agreement

Security agencies in Tel Aviv have reported rising discontent among Israeli reserve forces amid fears of a potential collective uprising against military service. This unrest follows an agreement between the Defense and Finance Ministries that imposes new burdens on soldiers.
The newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth" described the move as controversial, noting that the agreement was prepared without prior consultation with brigade and battalion leaders, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among reservists.

Reduction in Leave and Support for Soldiers

The newly established agreement includes a reduction in leave days for reserve soldiers and the cancellation of psychological and social support allowances for soldiers and unit leaders after their service.
Military sources believe that while the duration of reserve service is set to decrease to approximately two and a half months by 2026, contingent on improved security conditions, these measures could actually worsen soldiers' conditions and heighten tensions within units.

Measures to Decrease Reserve Forces

Military sources indicated that the changes are part of a government plan aimed at reducing the number of reserve soldiers available for service from 60,000 to 40,000 by 2026, with the goal of cutting Defense Ministry expenses.

Criticism of Military Leadership

The Hebrew newspaper reported that a senior Israeli military officer warned about the implications of these decisions, suggesting they could lead to widespread unrest among reserve forces.
The officer stated that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir "is abandoning reserve soldiers instead of advocating for their rights with government authorities."

Tensions Within Units and Resistance to New Orders

Communication groups among reserve battalion leaders have experienced rising tensions, with some discussing the possibility of refusing to implement new directives, particularly regarding the cancellation of weekly leave for combatants, especially in operational areas like the buffer zone and Gaza Strip.
Despite orders to cancel leave to increase reserve service days, reports indicate that some units continue to adhere to leave policies, reflecting the high level of tension within the military institution.