Reservists

IDF reserves, or miluim, refers to the reservist duty many Israelis have to do for several years after they finish their regular military service.

While many Israelis are regularly called up for reserve duty for training, on occasion the IDF can put out a mass call-up for reservists during times of conflict, as was the case following the October 7 massacre when Israel launched a war against Hamas in Gaza.

IDF soldiers recieve death threats, called Nazis during Binyamin riots

The riot in Binyamin marks the second time in a week that Jewish extremists targeted IDF soldiers in the West Bank.

 Israeli security forces guard as Jews tour in the West Bank city of Hebron, June 28, 2025.
  ‘YOU CAN spot HaOgen volunteers by the kindness in their eyes.’

A nation’s pillar: The rise of the largest volunteer organization following Oct. 7

 Over 150 lone soldiers join the IDF through Garin Tzabar Scouts program.

IDF lone reservists face challenges in lengthy service since October 7 - WATCH

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024

Israeli officials hold assessment as new IDF draft orders considered


IDF announces St.-Sgt.-Maj. Alon Farkas killed in Gaza

During the incident in which Farkas was killed, another reservist in the same battalion and brigade was severely wounded. 

 St.-Sgt.-Maj. Alon Farkas, 27, was killed in northern Gaza, the IDF announced, June 4, 2025.

IDF, Shin Bet kill Hamas's Al Mawasi battalion commander, responsible for death of 21 soldiers

He was killed by military aircraft during a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet. 

 Photo of the terrorist Khalil Abd al-Nasser Muhammad Khatib.

Israel prepares to call up 450,000 soldiers amid mounting toll on reservists and their families

The escalation of Israel’s operations in Gaza has brought new upheaval for reservists and their families, as well as renewed resentment about haredi Orthodox Jews who avoid military service.

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024

“A mission-driven initiative”: Reservist develops mental health support app

A student who served 300 reserve days and her teammates, partners of reservists, developed an app to identify mental distress and offer instant support. “We saw the need through personal experience.”

 Matan Nitzan

'Israel's mental health system is in a state of emergency,' Tel Aviv University study finds

Recent reports indicate burnout among IDF reservists, some of whom have served in multiple combat rounds for extended periods of time.

 ‘DECISION-MAKERS must act urgently to devise long-term solutions for treating a large number of veterans with PTSD.’

Shas MK tiebreaking vote to extend reservist emergency call-ups

Shas MK Yinon Azulay cast the deciding vote to extend emergency IDF draft powers, sparking backlash over unclear war plans and coalition infighting.

 IDF soldiers operate in Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip, May 8, 2025.

Reservists slam government over Gaza plans: 'Don’t play with our trust'

The Israeli government decided to halt the planned large-scale ground maneuver, following the collapse of a hostage release framework and the reported killing of Sinwar in Gaza.

 IDF troops operate in northern Gaza, May 15, 2025.

One-in-five IDF reservist couples considered divorce since October 7, poll finds

45% of reservists and 68% of their partners reported ongoing psychological distress, with many of them also facing severe financial difficulties.

 IDF soldiers operate in Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip, May 8, 2025.

Opposition blocks sending out IDF reserves call-up orders for the second time in a week

Opposition MKs also slammed the Netanyahu administration for dragging out drafting eligible Haredi men.

 IDF counterterrorism operation in the West Bank on May 13, 2025.

Israel at War Day 589: What happened in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon?

Several arrested in connection to West Bank attack on pregnant woman • IDF kills Hezbollah operative in Lebanon • Trump admin. considers moving Gazans to Libya

 An Israeli tank manoeuvres in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, May 16 2025.

Reservists without a home? Mizrahi Tefahot Bank has a special benefit for you

The bank offers reservists a loan of up to NIS 100,000 as part of a mortgage, without interest or linkage and without opening fees. Conditions: 90 days of service and the status of being homeless

 Reservist exercise in the North. January 17, 2024