The IDF is continuing to expand its deployment as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” in Gaza, military correspondent Doron Kadosh reported Sunday morning. Two additional reserve brigades—an infantry brigade and an armored brigade—have been called up and instructed to report to equipment depots and training bases. This brings the total number of reserve brigades mobilized during the current wave to five.
Deployment to Gaza and the North
Although these reserve forces are being mobilized, the initial phase of the operation still relies primarily on standing (regular) forces. Of the five reserve brigades called up, only three are expected to take part in the ground operation in Gaza.
The two others have already been transferred to northern sectors, the Armored Brigade 8 (The “Old Brigade”) replaced regular Armored Brigade 7 along the Lebanon front, and the Alexandroni Brigade replaced the Paratroopers along the Syrian buffer zone. Reserve Brigade 5, composed of Givati veterans, replaced the regular Givati Brigade in Rafah to allow the regular forces to rest and train ahead of the maneuver.
Extended Deployments Beyond Expectations
According to the report, reservists have been called up for 100-day deployments, despite earlier commitments to 70-day rotations. Some reservists may now serve an additional 100 days on top of previous deployments—pointing to a significant increase in the demands placed on the reserve corps. Other reserve brigades, like Brigade 9 (currently stationed on the western Lebanon front), are also expected to have their service extended to 100 days. IDF sources say the move is necessary due to the scope of ground operations in Gaza and the need to maintain high readiness on multiple fronts.
Readiness and Reserve Participation Challenges
The IDF has not yet released official statistics on reserve turnout, but senior officers report high participation rates so far, with many troops showing up “with their feet.” Still, reserve commanders warn that extended campaigns could strain soldiers trying to balance military demands with their civilian lives.
Government Plans Support Package for Reservists
As previously reported, the government is preparing a series of benefits for reservists to ease the burden of ongoing conflict. These include:
- Cash grants
- Financial assistance for families
- Special incentives for frontline commanders:
- Subsidized summer camps for reservists’ children
- Enhanced housing and mortgage benefits
- To aid in the transition back to civilian life, the government will also offer:
- Priority access to housing tenders
- Discounted land for private home construction
- Career counseling centers
- Professional training programs for discharged reservists
A new digital portal will be launched to streamline access to all these rights and benefits.
Balancing Gaza Operations with Nationwide Readiness
IDF sources stress that the current phase still leans on standing units, while reserve call-ups are primarily intended to relieve regular forces elsewhere: “The challenge is to balance high readiness in Gaza with maintaining alert status in the north and center,” a senior official said. The IDF will continue monitoring reserve participation rates and adjust service durations as needed, based on field developments.
