The October 7 War differs from any previous conflict that Israel has been involved in since 2000 with respect to its duration and the sheer number of reservists called to active duty. The Second Lebanon War (2006) lasted for 34 days and involved the call-up of about 60,000 reserve soldiers; Operation Cast Lead (early 2009) lasted for 22 days and did not involve any major call-up of reserve soldiers; and Operation Protective Edge (2014) lasted 50 days and involved the call-up of about 75,000 reserve soldiers. It is as yet unknown just how long this war will last, but it is already clear that it will be significantly longer than the others. Current estimates of the number of reserve soldiers called to arms is between 200,000 and 300,000. In this special chapter, which is the first in the State of the Nation Report 2023, Taub Center researchers survey the situation and point to actions that can be taken while the war is still ongoing and those it will be important to take upon its conclusion in order to return the country – its economy, its services, and its people – to the pre-war situation. In some areas, it may be possible to leverage the situation to arrive at a better reality and to improve preparedness for similar situations in the future. The researchers have formulated a list of policy measures — some of which can already be adopted — that will allow public sector systems to provide the solutions that are needed.
The full study in English will be available soon.