Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel’s military, preparing for war with Iran, has been
threatened by unrest from the huge reserve forces.

Military sources acknowledged that combat reservists were expressing
increasing bitterness over the lack of government support. They said the
government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly withdrawn
from pledges to bolster training and increase the ranks of the reserves.

“If you don’t start working for those who serve in the reserves, you
will find that there is no one there to protect your seats — or your
homes,” read a letter by 15 Army reserve battalion commanders to government leaders.

In what was termed a chilling warning to Netanyahu, the battalion
commanders, with a rank of up to lieutenant colonel, warned of a collapse of the military’s huge reserve force. The reserves were said to contain more than 70 percent of military manpower and regarded as crucial in any full-scale war.

The sources said the letter, also addressed to Defense Minister Ehud
Barak and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, reflected widespread
frustration over the government’s failure to improve benefits for reservists and expand the combat force. They said many combat reservists have managed to avoid or reduce their tours by claiming job, school and family concerns.

“We are a sector, and just like you we can shrug off our responsibilities,” the letter said.

The letter also pointed to sharp reductions in training and equipment
amid the latest defense budget shortfall. The commanders warned that
reservists were losing morale and uncertain over whether they would be ready
for war.

“We are sorely lacking in training days and the troops are exhausted,”
the letter said. “Should we be called for duty we will report immediately.
We will be given uniforms, weapons and munitions. But will others show up?
Will they remember how to use their weapons?”

  Army reserve battalion commanders, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak, lack of benefits, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, Trouble on Israel’s homefront: Crucial reservists unready for war