IDF Cuts Reserve Forces in Gaza Envelope Command Centers Amid Criticism

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun reducing the number of reserve soldiers staffing command centers in regional councils near the Gaza border, effective July 1, 2026. This decision, made by the Southern Command, follows the heightened security measures implemented after the October 7 attacks and aims to scale back the reserve force presence in these centers, which support local defense efforts against infiltration threats.

Reserve soldiers manning these command centers, which have played a critical role in coordinating information and emergency responses since October 7, will end their duties by noon on June 30, 2026. They have been instructed to hand over the centers in an organized and clean state to the councils' security officers. The move has sparked strong criticism from both reservists and local residents who view these centers as vital to their sense of security and emergency preparedness.

One source told Walla News that the command centers are not merely bureaucratic entities but essential to the community's feeling of safety, especially given the ongoing trauma and fear stemming from the October 7 attacks. Critics argue that the current security situation still necessitates this layer of defense, and cutting the reserve presence creates a "harsh feeling of abandonment."

Some residents fear that local councils may not staff these centers with civilians due to budget constraints. Military officials from the Southern Command acknowledged that it would have been more appropriate to reduce reserve forces in broader command and brigade headquarters rather than in local communities relying heavily on these centers.

The IDF spokesperson clarified that the reserve deployment in regional councils was always intended as temporary support following the October 7 events. Councils were informed early in 2026 about the planned cessation of reserve staffing by June 30 as part of a general reduction in reserve forces across all sectors. The councils have been asked to prepare to staff these centers with their own personnel, in line with standard practice across Israel. The Ministry of Defense's Settlement Division and the IDF continue to engage with local leaders to ensure optimal arrangements and explore alternatives for manning these centers. Meanwhile, IDF forces remain deployed along and inside the Gaza Strip to carry out defense and offensive operations.