Support for Israel’s war in Gaza and morale among Israeli reservists has dropped sharply since the events of October 7, 2023, according to new polling.
A study conducted by Agam Labs at the Hebrew University, surveying more than 300 reservists, found a steep decline in motivation and growing dissatisfaction with the government’s war policies. The survey revealed that:
25.7% reported a significant decrease in motivation compared to the start of the war.
10% noted a slight decrease in motivation.
47% expressed negative emotions toward the government’s handling of the war and negotiations over captives.
Speaking to Reuters about the findings, reservist Sergeant Major A. Kalker criticized the lack of strategic planning, stating: “There’s a lack of vision, both in the political and the senior military leadership.”
The article also highlighted reservist pilot Roni Zehavi, who resigned after Israel broke a ceasefire in March that had been reached earlier in January. Zehavi argued: “This war is entirely political, it has no goal except to keep Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister.” He later joined mass protests on Monday, which included thousands of reservists and have been described as the largest demonstrations since the war began 22 months ago. Protesters called for an immediate end to the conflict and demanded a deal to secure the release of remaining prisoners of war.
The poll’s findings are reinforced by reports that fewer reservists are responding to call-ups. When the Israeli military mobilized tens of thousands of reservists in March after breaking the ceasefire, only about 30 percent reported for duty, a dramatic drop in participation.
Israel, a conscript army, has historically relied heavily on its reservists, who can be mobilized at short notice. However, with the war now in its 22nd month — the longest sustained military campaign in the country’s history — both the burden on reservists and their disillusionment appear to be reaching new levels. Unlike previous conflicts, which were either short or required fewer reserve forces, the drawn-out nature of this war has raised questions about Israel’s long-term capacity to sustain its military operations.