IDF reserves

National-religious men overrepresented in IDF reserves as haredim stay absent, IDI analysis finds

National-Religious men were found to have increased in service substantially from the start of the war until 2025, while the participation of secular men decreased the most of any group.

 THE ZIONIST identity didn’t overcome the Jewish identity, nor did the opposite occur: An IDF soldier puts on tefillin.
Israeli soldiers at a staging area near the Israeli border with Syria in northern Israel, February 28, 2026.

Reservists grow frustrated with chasing civilians over Syrian border, using up time, resources

Chief Master Sergeant (Res.) Tamir Vaknin, 33 and Major (Res.) Harel Birkenstock, 34

Two IDF reservists killed, four wounded after booby-trapped house explodes in southern Lebanon

IDF reservists

Do reserve duties break up families? The data breaking the stigma


IDF must revamp how it recognizes wounded, fallen soldiers - opinion

If Israel is to remain faithful to its foundational ethos – that it does not abandon its soldiers – it must be willing to update its systems to reflect the full cost of war.

IDF soldiers pay respects to loved ones who fell in battle at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, April 28, 2025

Confronting Israel’s mental health emergency

As millions recover from the stress of war, JDC is expanding care, harnessing technology, and fostering resilience across Israel

Galit Gurevich, whose husband served in the reserves, found crucial support during a dif!cult period through one of  JDC’s vetted digital mental health tools empowering thousands of Israelis to build resilience

IDF draft equality is minimum condition to restore Israeli solidarity - editorial

The Israel-Hamas War did not only take bodies; it took spirit. It took marriages, jobs, sleep, and the sense that someone competent is steering.

MK Boaz Bismuth seen with haredi MKs and Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer in the Knesset, Jerusalem, January 14, 2026.

IDF unveils ‘Olim Al Bet’ program for fast-track immigrant reserve enlistment

The IDF said the program is open to Olim with a basic command of Hebrew and requires a commitment to active reserve service of approximately five years, subject to operational needs.

 IDF reservists joining the "David Brigades," the five new reservist brigades announced by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, December 17, 2024.

Frija trial begins: IDF reservist faces manslaughter charges in mistaken shooting

The trial of IDF reservist Aviad Frija, charged with manslaughter for mistakenly killing an Israeli in a terror attack, begins January 19. The case has sparked public debate.

IDF reservist Sgt. (res.) Aviad Frija, suspected of shooting Israeli civilian Yuval Kestelman.

Are IDF reservists properly armed during post-war operations? - analysis

The long duration and overwhelming logistical complexity of the Israel-Hamas War has led to a negative economic impact that may be taking a bite out of the budgets for arming reservists.

The Arad rifle, distributed by the Defense Ministery and the IDF, to rapid response teams across Israel, January 8, 2026.

Your Taxes: Will Israel's proposed property tax crash again?

As Israel introduces new tax breaks for reservists, the government also considers reviving a 1.5% wealth tax on land, targeting property owners in 2026.

 Illustrative image of doing taxes.

Jerusalem marathon 2026 to offer special benefits for IDF reservists

The 15th Jerusalem Marathon, scheduled for March 27, offers special discounts for IDF reservists and security forces.

MARATHON DAY in Jerusalem is always one of the most energetic and fun experiences of the year throughout the capital.

Police recover IDF reservist’s car packed with military equipment

The vehicle contained a combat vest, several magazines, handgun holsters, and various tactical gear and personal items. 

Police arrest suspect accused of stealing a vehicle containing military equipment in the West Bank on January 6, 2026.

IDF's 500th Armored Brigade to be re-established mid-2026, fully operational by end of 2027

Disbanded in 2003, the 500th Armored Brigade is set to return under Southern Command, restoring a unit once linked to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir speaking with two IDF tanks in the background, May 2025; illustrative.