IDF to arm 10,000 reservists in major shift following Oct 7 attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will arm 10,000 reservist soldiers with long rifles, a policy shift driven by lessons learned from the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack on southern Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Several areas were left without protection for hours, and in some cases, local emergency squads lacked access to weapons.

“We remember exactly why it took six hours for forces to reach Nir Oz,” said a senior officer in the 96th Division. “Before October 7, many standby squads didn’t have weapons at home or in their towns. That led to catastrophe.”

According to Ynet News, the reservists – mostly volunteers aged 40 to 60 – will receive an M4 or upgraded M16 rifle, magazines, a combat vest and a helmet. The equipment will be stored in a large, IDF-issued safe installed inside their homes. Each soldier will undergo medical, psychological and criminal background checks before being approved.

The IDF has long prohibited most soldiers from storing weapons at home because of concerns about theft or accidental misuse. In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, that policy was removed for select reservists, who are required to complete operational duty before receiving their weapons.

Established about a year ago as part of a broader reserve overhaul, the 96th Division has seen steady recruitment, although some battalions remain below the desired 400-soldier mark. Commanders nonetheless say morale is high, with training turnout approaching 98% as reported by Ynet.

The IDF ran drills last month simulating coordinated attacks across the West Bank and a cross-border infiltration from Jordan, where reservists from the division’s Tel Hai Brigade played a central role. The brigade is also responsible for training new company and battalion commanders.

Col. Roi, the commander of the 96th Division, said the plan will allow fighters to respond from their homes and reach critical junctions or combat areas within an hour.

Roi was a deputy commander in the Paratroopers Reserves on Oct. 7. “By the time we got to the emergency base, picked up gear, and reached the south, it was too late. Now, we’re building battalions that can respond immediately and hold the line until regular forces arrive,” he said.

Ynet noted that “most reservists are in their 40s and 50s, some volunteers are significantly older, including a 72-year-old who briefly commanded a company. Many of these veterans have since transitioned into staff roles.”

“This isn’t a hostage rescue force,” Roi clarified. “These units are meant to hold roadblocks, secure strategic points and respond fast. After October 7, we no longer need to imagine what it means to drop everything and head straight into combat – it already happened. This time, we’ll be ready.”