IDF reservists were answering the latest call-up to invade Gaza City, but likely in smaller numbers and slower than in the past recruitments, an IDF briefing appeared to clarify on Wednesday.
In fact, military sources have declined to provide statistics during the briefing. Instead, they said that they will give an update on these numbers at the end of the week, indicating both that the call-up is gradual, but also that the initial numbers were not so impressive that the military would want to focus on the issue until it can give the maximum number of those who were showing up.
Often during call-ups, the military rushes out the early numbers and percentages to express its pride in the early responders.
Most of the reservists being called up are in their fifth or sixth round of service since the Israel-Hamas War broke out.
While some reservist units had very high call-up success percentages in the 80%-90% range, others had already dropped to 50%-70% earlier in 2025, as many soldiers are suffering from combat fatigue.
The extended service has taken a toll on their families, work, or studies. Others have become politically opposed to continuing to fight in juxtaposition to ending the war with a hostage deal.
IDF warns only half of its D-9 bulldozers are operational
In addition, the IDF said that the number of operational D9 bulldozers it has for the latest operations is down to only around half what it had at the start of the war.
This is despite the military’s efforts to purchase new D9s.
Due to the drop in functioning D9s, either from overwork or from being put out of commission by Hamas ambushes, the IDF is now using more minor “buggers” primarily for clearing and destroying structures where Hamas might be ambushing.
Multiple army sources have told The Jerusalem Post that there will be unique problems in Gaza City, particularly with high-rise buildings.
Neither D9s nor “buggers” can topple such buildings, an issue the IDF has been able to avoid as long as it has not had its soldiers spend extended periods in Gaza City.
Although the IDF has invaded parts of Gaza City half a dozen times, until now, it has always spent short periods of time there to target specific Hamas terrorists, and then departed.
Under the current invasion plan, soldiers will need to remain in Gaza City long-term, which leaves them more exposed.