Israeli Army to Reduce Reserve Forces Amid Financial Crisis and Budget Cuts
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Israeli military has decided to reduce the number of reserve forces deployed in the West Bank and along conflict lines. The move comes as part of broader budget cuts and restructuring efforts within the defense sector.
Yossi Zitun, a prominent Israeli military analyst, reported in the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that the decision aligns with the cabinet’s directive to decrease reserve personnel from 60,000 to 40,000 by 2026. The reduction is tied to financial constraints imposed by the Israeli Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Defense.
The military also anticipates further cuts in auxiliary units, including combat and home front command staff. The planned reduction, amounting to one-third of reserve forces, is expected to increase the burden on regular troops, who will face longer service periods and shorter leave durations.
Despite the cuts, all reserve personnel must remain on standby for immediate deployment. This comes even as the Gaza conflict concluded nearly two and a half months ago, signaling continued readiness for emergency scenarios.
