Israel mobilizes 100,000 reservists, signaling broader offensive beyond Iran
The mass call-up is Israel's largest reserve mobilization since the October 2023 war and hints at potential ground operations.
Middle East — March 2, 2026
Israel issued mobilization orders to 100,000 reserve soldiers Monday—its largest reserve call-up since the outbreak of the October 2023 war—in a move analysts interpreted as preparation for potential ground operations or a major expansion of the current air campaign.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the mobilization in a late-night address, saying Israel was preparing for 'all eventualities' and that the country was in 'a decisive historical moment.'
The IDF did not specify where the reservists would be deployed, but military commentators noted that a force of this size is far beyond what is needed purely to support an air campaign.
Speculation centered on a possible ground incursion along the Israeli-Lebanese border targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, or as a deterrent against any Iranian attempt to rally proxy forces for a multi-front assault.
Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt issued statements urging Israel not to escalate further, warning that ground operations outside Israel's borders would 'inflame the entire region.'
Israel's stock market fell 3.4% on Monday amid concerns about the economic costs of a prolonged mobilization and potential wider war.
