Who are the reservists going back to Israel to fight the war against Hamas?

Hamas, the Gaza-based terrorist organisation launched a well-coordinated attack on Israel on Saturday, October 7. Israel was caught off-guard, leading to the loss of more than 1,300 people in Israel, so far.

• Following the attack, the 1.7 lakh-personnel-heavy Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a counter-offensive which is still ongoing.
• Considering what might be a long offensive determined to "erase Hamas" and siege Gaza, the IDF, so far has called up around 3.6 lakh reservists to join hands in a national mission.
• The consideration of the war being dragged on long also stems from the speculation of a potential two-front war, with the Lebanon-based Hezbollah joining hands with Hamas.

ALSO READ: Why Hezbollah matters in the Israel-Hamas war

Fauda stars join in

• From among the visuals of Israelis cheering the arrival of reservists at the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, a video of Fauda fame Israeli actor Lior Raz joining in emerged too.
• In a video he posted on X, he was seen navigating heaving bombardments and taking shelter among the "brothers in arms" volunteers near Sderot in South Israel.

• Another actor, Idan Amedi who plays Sagi Tzur in the show joined the IDF forces. In a video posted on the show's X page, the actor who plays an IDF says he has joined the IDF to fight the Hamas and keep Israel safe.

But who exactly are the Israeli reservists?

• Israeli reservists are a crucial part of the nation's defence.
• These are basically men and women who have completed their mandatory military service and continue to serve their country by being part of the military reserve force.
• As a result, the system makes sure that Israel can rapidly mobilise a substantial number of battle-ready troops during emergencies, in addition to its regular army.
• They just don't serve during wartime, but also join hands in military operations and natural disasters.

According to The Military Balance 2021 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the IDF has an active personnel count of around 1,69,500 and around 4,65,000 in reserve.

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How does the system work?

• Actually, unlike many countries, in Israel, which has been a party to at least a half dozen wars with hostile enemies surrounding it, both men and women must serve in the military.
• After an initial 24-32 months of compulsory service, the majority of Israeli citizens are required to participate in yearly reserve duties.
• Even those in various professions, including actors, journalists, and civilians from all walks of life, are called upon to fulfil their duty when the Land of Canna needs them.

• Apart from them, all Israelis under the age of 40 who have earlier served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are theoretically eligible for reserve duty.
• However, women in non-combat-essential jobs are not obligated to join after the birth of their first child.
• The upper age limit for reserve duty has been revised over the years, with male reservists now eligible until the age of 40 for regular soldiers, 45 for officers, and 49 for specific duty roles such as medical personnel, mechanics, and technicians.
• Speaking of the roles they are assigned to, they not only serve in the traditional military units but also the Office of the Prime Minister, such as the Shin Bet and the Mossad.
• The diversity of skills of these reservists contributes significantly to the security infrastructure.

'The Call'

• The IDF calls its reservists for duty through special call-up letters containing details of the reserve duty they are supposed to take up.
• While most men and virtually all women are not called up for reserve duty every year, they remain available for call-up in times of crisis, boosting the country's readiness.

• Many of these reservists called up after the weekend surprise attack and dropped everything to return and fulfil their duty.

This mass mobilisation of troops along the Gaza border and up north, the largest since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, kind of, speaks volumes of the roles they are expected to play.