Israel mobilizes 300,000 soldiers in 48 hours – invasion of Gaza likely
Reports of 100,000 mobilized to south, Israelis shower troops with displays of support
As the war effort continues to take shape in Israel, the IDF’s spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said the mobilization of reservists has been the largest and fastest in Israel’s history.
“We have never mobilized so many reservists so quickly – 300,000 reservists in 48 hours,” he said.
Hagari reported that the IDF is in the process of securing all breaches in the security perimeter with Gaza.
“The breaches opened in the fence in Gaza will be secured by tanks that will reach the area and face every breach, aerial vehicles – combat helicopters and drones, so that we will hold all the breaches in the fence.”
No official announcement has been made yet regarding a ground campaign into Gaza, but signs indicate that forces are being prepared for such a campaign.
Large numbers of tanks were seen being moved towards the Gaza perimeter, and reports indicated a large build-up of troops, as well.
A former international spokesperson of the IDF military, Jonathan Conricus, recently called up for reserve duty, stated that some 100,000 reserve troops have been gathered in southern Israel.
“We have amassed around 100,000 reserve troops who are currently in southern Israel,” he said.
“Our job is to make sure that at the end of this war, Hamas will no longer have any military capability to threaten Israeli civilians,” Conricus added.
An IDF Spokesperson @jconricus shares an important statement on ‘Swords of Iron’. LIVE from Tel Aviv: https://t.co/5lYJlleXK6
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 8, 2023
The IDF announced that it was still securing the border at the time of publication, ensuring that no more breaches or intrusion tunnels remained.
In the meantime, the Israeli Air Force has continued to strike Hamas-affiliated targets in the Gaza Strip in an attempt to disrupt the terror group's ability to launch further attacks.
Thousands of Israelis came out to cheer on the soldiers arriving in the south, lining the streets to greet them and handing out food, water and toiletries.
After a couple of tense, tragic days, they welcomed the sight of Israeli soldiers ready to take the fight to the enemy on its own territory.
Waving Israeli flags, playing Israeli music, and handing out homemade food, the residents of the south showered the soldiers with love, thanks and prayers for success.
Breaking News Israel: The people rally behind their security forces as national unity comes amid the most heinous attacks on Israeli civilians perhaps ever seen.
— Jim Ferguson (@JimFergusonUK) October 9, 2023
Israel despite being hurt has the spirit to overcome and that spirit will give them the will to win.… pic.twitter.com/8bgU8UP622
A decision for a ground campaign has not yet been announced but is being called for by a broad spectrum of leaders, including those not in the coalition government.
A decision will likely be announced after the southern border is officially declared to be secured.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.