Israeli officials to hold assessment as new 'Tzav 8' orders considered
In recent days, many reservists have received notifications about possible mobilization next month under Tzav 8 to replace those currently in Gaza.
Israel’s political echelon is set to hold a situational assessment on Monday, during which they will decide how many new emergency orders (Tzav 8 orders) must be issued.
The order came after recent criticism from reservists who complained of uncertainty and the nature of the missions assigned to them as part of the Gideon’s Chariots operation in the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, the IDF General Staff will present the threats on different fronts, with an emphasis on Gaza, as well as additional details regarding the missions of regular and reserve forces, which will help dictate the necessary volume of Tzav 8 orders.
According to security sources, the political echelon will be required to take risks as it reduces the call-up of reservists and places additional burdens on the regular forces.
In recent days, many reservists have received notifications about possible mobilization next month under Tzav 8 to replace reservists currently in Gaza, causing considerable tension among senior reserve brigade commanders.
The assessment will reportedly weigh the achievements of Gideon’s Chariots in the Gaza Strip, the status of the hostage negotiations, and the political echelon’s decisions regarding the scope and nature of the fighting.
Security sources added that there have been significant operational achievements in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes for progress in the negotiations, but also heavy costs, including the deaths of four soldiers from the Yahalom unit killed in an explosion in Khan Younis, and additional soldiers killed in earlier incidents in the Strip.
IDF reservists in Gaza want to return home
Many reservists currently in Gaza have expressed to field commanders their feeling that they were not called up to help achieve a decisive outcome, but rather to wait for potential developments in the negotiations for the release of hostages.For some, this is their fifth or sixth round of reserve duty, totaling more than 250 days, during which they have had to leave behind a family life that has been severely disrupted, professional careers, businesses, studies, and more.
Reservists also pointed out that when they received the call-up orders, their commanders told them they were being mobilized for 90 days, while student-soldiers would serve only 75% of that period, so they could prepare for their exam period.
“Soon, we will reach more than half of the order’s duration, and there is still uncertainty—will the students be released soon? And what about the rest of the reservists?” soldiers told Walla.
“Who will replace them, and when? Conversely, what will happen to those called up during the summer, a time with no educational frameworks that is especially challenging for parents, as well as long-planned summer vacations and, afterward, the Tishrei holidays?”
Additionally, reservists want to know not just when they will be released, but also when they will next be called up, so they can plan the continuity of their civilian lives.
