IDF Chief Says No More Reservists: Gaza War Takes Devastating Mental Toll
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir rejected calls to mobilize more reservists for Gaza operations, prioritizing a 74-day annual duty limit, while a new strategy aims to exhaust Hamas. The war’s mental health toll, with nearly 4,000 soldiers diagnosed with PTSD, has prompted expanded support measures amid ongoing hostilities.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir rejected a proposal to mobilize additional reserve forces for expanded ground operations in Gaza, reaffirming his commitment to limit reservist duty to 74 days per year. During General Staff discussions, Zamir emphasized, “I intend to uphold the commitment made to the reserve soldiers,” refusing to exceed the annual quota despite pressures to intensify the ongoing conflict with Hamas, which has claimed 895 Israeli lives since October 2023. The decision comes as the defense establishment unveiled a new strategy on July 25 to further encircle and divide Gaza, aiming to exhaust Hamas terrorists while avoiding areas where intelligence suggests 50 remaining hostages are held.
The war’s toll extends beyond physical casualties, with 3,769 IDF soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since October 7, 2023, and 10,000 receiving mental health treatment. In 2024 alone, 1,600 soldiers were officially recognized with PTSD, with 9,000 more awaiting evaluation, the highest annual figure recorded. The Defense Ministry projects that by 2028, it will support 100,000 wounded veterans, half with psychological issues, primarily from the war.
To address the crisis, Israel has launched over 10 therapeutic farms, a mobile mental health response van for suicide prevention, and four “open homes” near hospitals for soldiers unable to cope in psychiatric wards, all currently at capacity. Social media posts on X expressed concern, with one user stating, “4,000 soldiers with PTSD and no more reservists? The IDF’s stretched thin.”
The strategy shift follows reports of Hamas looting up to 50% of aid trucks, complicating humanitarian efforts. With 1,600 IDF soldiers wounded, Zamir’s decision reflects a balance between military objectives and the well-being of reservists, who number 360,000 and face unprecedented strain. The IDF’s focus on mental health underscores the war’s profound impact, as Israel navigates a path to dismantle Hamas while protecting its forces.