Egypt Daily News – The Israeli government approved on Monday the extension of Emergency Order No. 8 related to the call-up of reserve forces, allowing for the mobilization of 450,000 reservists until the end of August.
This call-up order represents one of the largest mobilizations since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023.
According to the military order, the extension grants the Israeli Defense Minister the authority to summon reservists for up to an additional 25 days, depending on developments in the security situation—whether in the Gaza Strip, on the northern front, or for reinforcing border protection.
The decision is also expected to allow current reservists in the field to continue their service, with promises of financial compensation, updated service periods, and tax exemptions, according to Russia Today.
However, the decision has sparked legal criticism within the Israeli military establishment. The deputy legal advisor to the Ministry of Defense warned that extending mobilization on this scale, without taking parallel steps to increase the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), “raises legal concerns regarding equality,” according to a legal memo attached to the government’s deliberations.
The advisor stated in the memo: “It is difficult to accept repeated extensions of mobilization without any serious effort to integrate the Haredi public into military service. This could exacerbate feelings of discrimination and unfairness among reservists.”
