The Israeli military is facing a deepening crisis as soldiers are refusing to join the battlefield amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a recent report by the Israeli news program ‘Hazet Hayom’, nearly half of a newly formed battalion has refused deployment to Gaza, citing lack of training and preparation.
This comes after two Israeli officers were dismissed in November for fleeing from battle in Gaza with their entire unit, saying they did not receive adequate support when ambushed by Palestinian fighters. The refusal of troops to deploy seems to indicate growing dissent and plummeting morale among Israeli soldiers tasked with fighting in Gaza.
The report stated that reservist fighters called up for training before the establishment of the ‘Hashomer’ Brigade strongly criticized serious gaps in equipment, professionalism, manpower and the fact they were told they would be entering Gaza without proper training. Some volunteers chose to leave the training entirely, saying they did not feel ready to take on responsibility due to the lack of trust and equipment.
Although the Israeli military claims 593 soldiers have been killed and over 3000 wounded since the start of the war, estimates in Israeli newspapers put the numbers much higher. According to a report by Walla, 4000 Israeli soldiers have become disabled and the number could rise to 30,000.
Disturbing videos went viral showing Israeli soldiers referencing fighting ‘ghosts’ in Gaza, alluding to the guerrilla warfare tactics used by Palestinian resistance fighters. Aside from physical injuries, many are also suffering from deep psychological trauma.
The Hashomer Brigade was established a month ago to fill defense needs amid the ongoing conflict. However, without half its troops, it cannot fully function since each soldier serves a specialized purpose. This shows the Israeli military is still struggling to overcome deficiencies that led to initial defeat back in October against Palestinian resistance forces.
According to soldier testimonials, some did not even have extra shirts or shoes just a day before deployment. “There are no medics, no vests, the fighters don’t know each other. It is incomprehensible how they wanted to introduce such a force into the Strip – unqualified in the full sense of the word,” one soldier told the news outlet.
The refusal of inexperienced, ill-equipped troops to join the battle indicates eroding troop morale and readiness. It also shows a dysfunctional military hierarchy sending soldiers to fight without proper training or gear, putting them directly in harm’s way.
Some analysts see the ongoing staffing issues as a consequence of over two decades of war and occupation duty taking a physical and mental toll on soldiers. With mandatory military service, the constant churn of fresh recruits masks underlying deficiencies. But relying on untrained, unsupported reservists could prove disastrous amid fierce resistance.
Past ceasefires have temporarily reduced hostilities, but a lasting peace remains elusive. The current impasse may drain military manpower and resources on both sides without resolving the core disputes fueling the violence. With soldiers unwilling to fight, pressure for a negotiated settlement ending the perpetual cycle of conflict may continue mounting.
