"A whole campaign: Reservists trusted you. Do not betray us"

Reservists are calling on the incoming government to enact a conscription law that ensures broad enlistment, amid fears of a severe shortage of soldiers. They urge politicians not to abandon them and to remember their election promises.

Two weeks after the elections for the 26th Knesset, reservists are expressing concern about the composition of the future government and the severe shortage of soldiers in the absence of a conscription law. The article presents the stories of four servicemen: Staff Sergeant N., who continued reserve duty immediately after his release; Staff Sergeant A., who lost his brother in Gaza and volunteered for regular and reserve service; Dr. Penina Fogoda, 50, who enlisted as a doctor; and Sharon Barik-Dashen, 57, who returned to reserve duty. They call on the incoming government to prioritize national security and broad enlistment over political considerations, warning that without comprehensive conscription, Israel may face an existential danger. The article quotes the interviewees but does not present the position of the Haredi public or quantitative data on the extent of the shortage.