“Mobilized for What?” IDF Reservists Furious as Gaza Ground Offensive Shelved

In a sudden reversal, Israel’s government has shelved plans for a sweeping ground offensive in Gaza, leaving reservists seething and questioning their leaders’ resolve.

The decision, announced today (Monday), comes after the collapse of an Egypt-brokered hostage release deal and the reported killing of Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s hardline Gaza commander, in a precise Israeli Air Force and Shin Bet strike.

What was meant to be a thunderous multi-front assault, backed by air, sea, and land, has fizzled into limited operations, and the soldiers who answered the call are crying foul.

Weeks ago, hope flickered for a hostage deal mediated by Egypt, only for Qatar to derail it at the eleventh hour, chasing a sweeter bargain for Hamas, per security sources.

With US President Donald Trump’s regional visit last week (where he skipped Israel), Israel mobilized reservists en masse, priming them for a major incursion.

The IDF said that the answer to the Tzav 8 call-up orders was robust, and brigades drilled for a week, ready for action. But the grand maneuver never materialized. Instead, troops have been confined to smaller, slower missions in places like Deir el-Balah, a shadow of the promised offensive.

The shift stems from two seismic events.

Sinwar’s elimination, confirmed by defense officials, has thrown Hamas’s leadership into disarray, creating a fleeting opportunity—or excuse—for restraint.

Meanwhile, international pressure has surged, with Trump and European leaders citing Gaza’s dire food shortages and urging aid over escalation. The UN warns of a breaking point, with 91% of Gazans facing acute hunger.

These diplomatic currents, defense sources say, have shaped a cautious approach, with operations now tailored to support “negotiations under fire.”

For reservists, it’s a bitter pill. “We were promised a broad maneuver, but got a limited mission,” one fumed to The Jerusalem Post.

Another officer, juggling personal burdens like countless others, vented: “You’ve mobilized us again, saying it’s critical. We have lives, problems. If there’s no big offensive, release us or give us leave. You can’t play with our trust.”

Their frustration is aimed at both the IDF General Staff and the political brass, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces growing dissent within his coalition.

While the IDF insists progress is being made in new Gaza zones, the scaled-back reality feels like a bait-and-switch to those who left families and jobs behind.

As talks falter and Gaza’s crisis deepens, Israel’s leaders must reckon with a restless force and a trust that’s fraying fast.

JPost contributed to this article.