Time for a rethink in the wake of rash emergency call-ups

The "maneuver" pulled off by the Israel Defense Forces last week, when thousands of reservists received emergency (tzav 8) orders, infuriated a number of reserve officers. The emergency call-up was ordered to guarantee sufficient personnel for a planned wide-scale IDF operation in the Gaza Strip (the operation has since been canceled - at least, for the time being).

Unlike the mood that preceded Operation Defensive Shield, this time a number of reservists felt there was no justification for a major IDF operation that entailed serious risks. As battalion commanders in the regular forces made preparations for battle, their counterparts in the reserve forces were hesitant.