Israel will call up 50,000 reservists for a planned offensive to capture Gaza City, although most of the forces operating in the Gaza Strip’s largest urban center will be active soldiers, an Israeli military official said Wednesday.
The calls could be sent out in the coming days, and reservists should report for duty in September, a military official said.
“Most of the soldiers who will be mobilized in this new phase will be active soldiers, not reservists,” said the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.
The reservists could be deployed in aviation, intelligence or support roles or replace active-duty soldiers stationed outside Gaza, the official said.
Earlier this month, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The move expands military operations in the already devastated Palestinian territory, which has drawn sharp criticism at home and abroad.
