The Israeli army is set to call up 60,000 reservist soldiers under a newly approved plan to occupy Gaza City, according to reports in local media on Wednesday.
The decision follows Defense Minister Israel Katz’s approval of the occupation plan, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported. Regular troops already deployed in the Gaza Strip will also see their tours extended.
Army Radio said the mobilization will raise the total number of reservists in service to 130,000, in preparation for what it described as “a prolonged operation” expected to continue until mid-2026.
Channel 12 reported that the military has already issued emergency draft orders, known as Order 8. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the mobilization will begin on September 2, with the Cabinet expected to review the plan in the coming days.
Earlier this month, on August 8, the Israeli Cabinet endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a phased reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City. The plan has drawn widespread criticism and condemnation internationally.
