Twenty-four hours after the 72-hour ceasefire began, on the morning of Tisha B’Av, the IDF released 30,000 reservists from emergency duty, permitting them to return to civilian life. These are the officers and soldiers who were activated first as the counter-terrorism operation began.
An additional 54,000 reservists remain on duty, many standing by in southern Israel in the event of resumed warfare while others are stationed throughout Yehuda and Shomron, replacing compulsory service troops who are in the south.
Government officials and senior IDF commanders have stated a significant military presence remains in and around Gaza border communities as life slowly returns to normal. These forces are on alert and capable of responding on a moment’s notice in the event of renewed Hamas warfare. It is reported that most Gaza border community residents are returning home while a small number has opted to remain away, fearful of a tunnel attack. Those families are seeking reassurances that they will not awaken one day facing armed Hamas terrorists in their community.
In the interim, trucks continue bringing supplies into Gaza as Israel prepares to defend itself in The International Court in The Hague against charges of war crimes stemming from the IDF operation in Gaza during the 29 days of Operation Protective Edge.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Had the 30,000 reservists heading home held the Torah instead of only 1 lone soldier, the IDF would have had much more Siyatta Dishmaya.
For the time being, what has Israel accomplished in the 4 weeks when they haven’t even finished destroying tunnels and haven’t even begun eliminating the tiny group of terrorists? It’s clear for most Israelis that once again Israel has lost the war.