Israel Extends Reserve Duty Call-Up Authority to 200,000 Through November 2026

The Israeli government has extended its authority to call up reserve soldiers under emergency "Tzav 8" orders until the end of November 2026, potentially mobilizing up to 200,000 reservists. This decision, approved by ministers via phone vote on September 30, replaces a previous July 2026 decision that set the maximum at 240,000.

While the maximum number of reservists that can be called up is 200,000, the actual number currently serving is significantly lower, in the tens of thousands. The Ministry of Defense reported that from January to August 2026, Israel spent 26.7 billion shekels on reserve service, with the average daily cost per reservist at approximately 1,000 shekels. Maintaining the current scale of reservist deployment in October and November 2026 is estimated to cost an additional 6.5 billion shekels.

The prolonged military presence in Gaza, buffer zones in southern Lebanon and Syria, and readiness for threats from Iran and the West Bank are placing a heavy burden on personnel. In January 2026, a compromise was reached between the defense and finance ministries to limit active reservists to 40,000 per day to balance military needs with economic demands, though this target was not met due to ongoing conflicts.

Concerns about troop shortages persist, with a military representative estimating a deficit of around 12,000 soldiers in May 2026, potentially rising to 17,000 by January 2027. Data from June 2026 revealed that nearly one-fifth of reservists have served over 300 days since the "Swords of Iron" war began, with another 27% serving between 150 and 300 days.

Meanwhile, widespread draft evasion among the ultra-Orthodox population continues, with the Netanyahu coalition reportedly not hindering it. Recent reports indicate that draft dodgers are now primarily detained at border crossings rather than at their residences, despite a High Court order. A recent incident in Jerusalem saw several released draft dodgers celebrated by their community, with one rabbi distributing 1,000 shekels to each.

Opposition leaders strongly condemned the celebration of draft dodgers, with Gadi Eisenkot calling it a choice between a government of evasion and a Zionist government of conscription, and Avigdor Lieberman criticizing Netanyahu's alliance with those who evade service. Yair Golan also denounced the event, highlighting anti-IDF slogans displayed by the honorees.