Source challenges the assumption that an IDF presence deep inside Gaza creates an impermeable shield.
A dispute has erupted between the Israeli defense establishment and security coordinators in Gaza Envelope communities following the Israel Defense Forces’ decision to scale back the number of reserve duty personnel guarding communities between four to seven kilometers (2.5 to 4.3 miles) from the Gaza Strip.
The move shifts the burden of gate guarding and standby duties to the communities’ local civilian rapid response teams.
The decision is a result of the government’s plan to reduce the number of reserve personnel in 2026 from 60,000 to 40,000 and cut their hours, aiming to ease the burden on reservists after over two years of war.
