According to Israel's KAN public broadcaster, at least 20 Israeli soldiers from an infantry brigade have refused to return to the war in Gaza, where Palestinian fighters have put up a spirited defense against the invaders since October last year.
Around 10 of the soldiers, the report added, have received official warnings saying they would face trial for disobeying military orders.
Some of the Israeli forces said that they are unable to return to Gaza following months of combat but nonetheless they are ready to assume other duties.
Families of the soldiers said that their relatives “are forced to conduct ground maneuvers in Gaza or face prison”.
“There are only a few soldiers left in their company who are capable of fighting... This is our time as parents to help them confront a system that does not care about them,” they noted.
The development comes at a time when the Israeli military is suffering manpower shortages.
Last month, Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant said the regime’s army needs 10,000 new soldiers immediately.
A total of 704 Israeli soldiers have been killed since October 7, 2023, including 339 in the ground battles in the Gaza Strip, according to figures by the military.
Press TV