Why so many reservists?
Neve Gordon
Why is Israel calling up 75,000 reserve soldiers, when during the last ground invasion of Gaza it called up only 10,000? Such a massive mobilisation is no minor matter, not least because its cost to the Israeli economy is enormous. There are four possible motivations:
1. The call-up of reservists is meant to deter the Palestinians.
2. Israel intends to invade Gaza; however, it needs to take into account the change of government in Egypt and deter its southern neighbour from joining the fray.
3. Israel is worried about developments in Jordan and will consider deploying forces to help King Abdullah if the protests there gain momentum.
4. Israel intends an assault against Iran’s nuclear facilities and is preparing its forces against any retaliation.
The second scenario is the most likely, but all are possible.
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