The Israeli government is expected to approve a major defense measure today (Monday), authorizing the IDF to continue large-scale reserve call-ups, with permission to summon up to 450,000 reservists through August 31, 2025. This would mark the highest number of reservists mobilized since the start of the war in October 2023.
Emergency Mandate: Expanded Authority for Draft Orders
According to the draft resolution, the authority to issue call-ups will remain with the Defense Minister and the Head of Recruitment and Readiness at Israel’s National Emergency Authority (RAHEL). The move grants legal clearance for issuing individual reserve duty orders as required by operational needs.
Legal Basis: Reserve Duty and Emergency Laws
The plan relies on both the Reserve Service Law and Israel’s National Defense Law, which enable broad emergency powers in wartime. It allows for personal call-up orders, selective unit activations, and deployment flexibility for extended campaigns.
Background: Seven Government Approvals Since War Began
Since the outbreak of hostilities, the Israeli government has already approved seven separate emergency reserve measures, in October, December, and February in 2023–2024, and June, August, November, and February in 2024–2025. The current resolution consolidates all previous mandates and ensures the continued logistical and operational support for combat forces throughout the coming months.
