ALWAGHT- The Israeli government has authorized the mobilization of up to 450,000 reservists under Order 8, amid ongoing legal controversies and difficulties recruiting from the Haredi community.
The Israeli government has approved its largest reservist mobilization since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, authorizing up to 450,000 reservists under the emergency directive known as Order 8. The order, effective until August 31, 2025, mandates immediate deployment and is reserved for severe wartime or national security emergencies.
Despite the scale of the decision, it has faced strong legal scrutiny. Critics point to the government’s failure to address enlistment disparities—particularly within the Haredi community—as a major legal and ethical concern. The lack of structural reforms casts doubts on the legitimacy and sustainability of this unprecedented mobilization.
In early May, around 60,000 reservists were called up, reportedly to support expanded operations in Gaza and free up regular forces for combat. However, the move has drawn backlash from families of Israeli captives, who argue that escalating the conflict endangers their loved ones. Meanwhile, the government’s insistence on fully occupying Gaza has ignited tensions with both settlers and bereaved families demanding an end to the war.
