More than a year into the Gaza conflict, Israel is confronting a significant challenge: its army is grappling with fatigue and manpower shortages among its reservists. The crisis comes as Israeli forces contend with a new front in Lebanon, opening a complex two-front war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which are backed by Iran. This prolonged military engagement has left many Israeli soldiers physically and emotionally drained, straining the country’s resources and stirring public debate over the future of military service exemptions, particularly for the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.
Since Hamas launched a large-scale attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has called up around 300,000 reservists, including men over 40 who would typically be exempt. As the country enters a critical phase in the conflict, the challenges facing Israel’s military are mounting, both on the battlefield and at home.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has extended active service periods for reservists, who report increased fatigue and disruption of their personal and professional lives. Many are unable to return to their regular routines, facing lengthy deployments in Gaza and Lebanon. Reservist Ariel Seri-Levy, who has been mobilized four times since the initial Hamas attack, shared his frustration on social media, capturing the feelings of many fellow soldiers.
“We’re drowning,” Seri-Levy wrote in a post that quickly went viral. He expressed frustration over the strain the ongoing mobilization is placing on soldiers, advocating for an end to the conflict and saying that Israel risks running out of soldiers. While he remains committed to the values of military service, Seri-Levy voiced concerns that the demands on reservists have reached a critical point, affecting the lives of soldiers and their families.
Another reservist, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke of his “fatigue and moral exhaustion,” noting that his prolonged deployment had led to the loss of his job. Many reservists working in freelance or contract-based jobs have had to close their businesses. While the government has implemented a minimum income guarantee for reservists, the economic impact remains substantial.
“The collective is still above the individual, but the cost is too great for my family,” he said, adding that he spent nearly six months in Gaza this year alone.
The enduring conflict has reignited a public debate on Israel’s longstanding policy that exempts most ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service. Under a rule dating back to Israel’s founding in 1948, ultra-Orthodox men who dedicate themselves to full-time Torah study are exempt from the draft. Initially, the policy applied to about 400 individuals, but today, approximately 66,000 ultra-Orthodox men of conscription age qualify for the exemption.
This exemption has sparked controversy within Israeli society, particularly among those who bear the burden of military service. The ultra-Orthodox community, making up 14% of Israel’s Jewish population, has traditionally resisted compulsory service, arguing that Torah study is a service to the nation in its own right. However, the Supreme Court ruled in June that the government must create a “legal framework” if it wishes to maintain the exemption, setting the stage for a legislative showdown.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes ultra-Orthodox parties, is under pressure to resolve the issue as it prepares to vote on the annual budget. Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas Party, has promised to seek a solution that would continue to shield yeshiva students from military duty. The ultra-Orthodox community’s stance has sparked protests, as some argue the responsibility of defense should be equally shared, particularly in times of crisis.
This debate has also fueled calls for reform from within Israel’s religious Zionist movement, which combines a traditional religious lifestyle with active military participation. Recently, 2,000 wives of reservists from this community signed an open letter calling for a reduction in reservist deployments, highlighting the strain on families. Academic and reservist spouse Tehila Elitzur told Yediot Aharonot: “There is no contradiction between Torah study and military service, both go hand in hand.”
Israel’s ground operations have exacted a high cost, with 367 soldiers losing their lives in Gaza since the incursion began on October 27, 2023. Meanwhile, 37 soldiers have been killed in Lebanon since Israel launched operations there in late September. These numbers underscore the toll that the dual-front war is taking on the IDF, both in human lives and in morale.
One notable story of dedication amidst these sacrifices is that of Rabbi David Zenou, a 52-year-old father and grandfather who volunteered to serve despite his age-based exemption. Zenou, who fought for 250 days this year alone, expressed pride in his service: “It’s an honor to serve my country, and I will continue to do it for as long as I can. Above all, let’s not forget that this is war, and we are short on soldiers.”
Israel’s reliance on reservists highlights the strain on its regular military resources. Military service in Israel is compulsory for both men and women from age 18, but certain exemptions apply. Amid the ongoing conflict, the government is facing increasing difficulty filling ranks with willing soldiers, especially as periods of active service for reservists stretch on.
The IDF’s recruitment strategy is further complicated by the divided opinions within Israeli society. Calls for policy reform are intensifying, particularly among secular and modern Orthodox Israelis, who feel the burden of military service should be shared more evenly. For many, the ultra-Orthodox exemption is a symbol of inequality, and the current crisis is pushing this debate to the forefront of national conversation.
Additionally, while the government guarantees a basic income for reservists, it cannot compensate for the broader economic impact that extended deployments have on professionals, particularly those in freelance or self-employed positions. Many reservists who owned businesses or worked as contractors have been forced to put their careers on hold, risking financial instability.
With no immediate end in sight to the conflict, Israel is exploring options for easing the load on its forces. Policymakers are evaluating potential reforms to the draft system, though efforts are likely to meet resistance from the ultra-Orthodox political factions within Netanyahu’s coalition.
Pressure from both reservists and their families is growing. With thousands of reservist wives, including religious Zionists, publicly advocating for changes, there is a growing acknowledgment that the military burden cannot continue to fall on a select few. “Lightening the load for those who serve” has become a rallying cry for those calling for more equitable contributions to national defense.
In addition to easing the reservists’ load, military experts suggest increasing recruitment incentives and implementing reforms that encourage participation from all sectors of society. These changes would require a delicate balance, especially considering the opposition from the ultra-Orthodox community, which views full-time Torah study as its contribution to the nation.
