Israeli Soldiers Express Doubts about Gaza’s Future Post-War

The main concern for Israeli soldiers who have just fought in Gaza is what will happen to the area after the war and who will manage it. Israel launched a large-scale campaign to attack the Gaza Strip in October 2023, calling back hundreds of thousands of reserve soldiers for combat and support missions. While most Israelis support the effort to destroy Hamas forces, there is currently no political consensus on how to manage Gaza post-conflict.

Reservist Lia Golan, who guides soldiers on a Tiran tank at the Israel-Gaza border, expressed concern about the uncertainty regarding the outcome in Gaza. She is committed to serving her country but worries about the losses incurred during the conflict, including Israeli hostages in Gaza and soldiers losing their lives on the battlefield.

The Israeli Army mobilized the majority of its reservists during the conflict, with many soldiers returning to their daily lives after a few months of combat. However, as the fighting continued, more reservists were called up, causing strain on their civilian responsibilities. The lack of a strategic vision from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on how to end the conflict and manage post-conflict Gaza has led to division and discontent within the wartime cabinet.

Some reservists believe that continued Israeli military control of Gaza is necessary to prevent further conflict from breaking out. They believe that the only solution is for the army to govern Gaza, similar to the approach before 2005 when Israel occupied and managed the area. Others, like Ariel Shauliyan, think international intervention would be a better solution to prevent Hamas from returning to power.

Reservists who have returned to civilian life are facing challenges such as mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, and uncertainty about the future. While some support military control of Gaza to achieve victory, others, like Oren Shvill, call for international agencies to manage the area to prevent future conflicts. The lack of a clear post-war plan has led to protests and calls for Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign, as people seek a fresh start after the conflict in Gaza.