![Israeli soldiers block roads and restrict Palestinian movement as illegal Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, carry out a raid in the Old City of Hebron in the southern West Bank on December 20, 2025. [Amer Shallodi - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AA-20251220-40034943-40034924-ILLEGAL_ISRAELI_SETTLERS_RAID_THE_CITY_OF_HEBRON_WEST_BANK_UNDER_THE_PROTECTION_OF_ISRAELI_FORCES.jpg)
The Israeli army plans to arm about 10,000 reserve soldiers with firearms that will be kept permanently in their homes, a step described as a lesson drawn from the Oct. 7, 2023 events, local media said Sunday, Anadolu reports. According to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the move focuses on Division “David” (96), a formation established about a year ago that relies on older reservists – typically ages 40 to 60 – who volunteer to return to service after completing their reserve obligations. The soldiers “will receive an M4 or upgraded M16 rifle, magazines, a combat vest and a helmet,” delivered to their homes to enable immediate call-up to their battalion sector in the event of an emergency, the paper said. […]
