Surveys show that over 85% of reservists report “high” or “very high” motivation, a level unmatched in decades of Israeli military history.
By Hezy Laing
Despite the length of the current reserve mobilization, motivation among Israel Defense Forces reservists is reaching unprecedented highs.
Since the October 7 attacks, the IDF has mobilized more than 360,000 reservists, the largest emergency call‑up since the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Despite the strain, surveys conducted by the IDF Manpower Directorate and the Israel Democracy Institute show that over 85% of reservists report “high” or “very high” motivation, a level unmatched in decades of Israeli military history.
Commanders across frontline divisions—including Golani, Givati, the Paratroopers Brigade, the Nahal Brigade, and the 401st Armored Brigade—describe near‑total attendance even after deployments stretching beyond 120 consecutive days.
Many units report that reservists are volunteering to extend their service, even when officially released.
Sgt. Amit Ben‑David, a Paratroopers reservist, captures the sentiment shared by thousands: “We’re tired, but we know exactly why we’re here. That purpose keeps us going.”
Capt. Lior Maimon of the Armored Corps echoes this feeling, saying, “My kids miss me, my business is on hold, but defending the country comes first. Everyone in my unit feels the same.”
In the Yiftach Technological Unit, responsible for innovations such as the Atalef FPV drone, engineers and tech specialists balancing demanding civilian careers have shown extraordinary commitment.
One reservist engineer, identified only as E., explains, “We’re building tools that save soldiers’ lives. That’s all the motivation I need.”
The pressures on reservists are immense.
Many face financial strain, disrupted careers, and long separations from spouses and children.
Civil society has responded with unprecedented support: nonprofits and community groups have raised tens of millions of shekels for reservist families, while more than 1,200 Israeli companies have implemented compensation programs, salary protection, and job‑security guarantees.
Military psychologists, including Dr. Keren Shalev, note that shared trauma, national purpose, and strong unit cohesion are driving forces behind the high morale.
She explains that these factors create “a psychological buffer that sustains motivation even under extreme fatigue.”
The IDF Personnel Directorate, led by Brig. Gen. Yaniv Asor, has emphasized that reservists are “volunteering beyond their call of duty,” with some units reporting over 95% return rates for repeated deployments.
As operations continue in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and along the northern border, the IDF faces the challenge of sustaining this extraordinary momentum.
Yet the data and testimonies point to a powerful reality.
Israel’s citizen‑soldiers—teachers, engineers, medics, business owners, and parents—remain deeply committed despite endless days of duty.
Their determination reflects a national resilience that continues to define the Israeli spirit and strengthen the country during one of the most challenging periods in its history.
