IDF reservists are unevenly armed during post-war operations

Logistical strain and budget pressure after the Israel–Hamas war have left arming for some IDF reservist units uneven, officials say procurement of tens of thousands of M4 rifles and other weapons is underway, and replacing older sharpshooter night sights with T75 systems is expected to take several months.

The long war and its logistical demands have left questions about whether IDF reservists are properly armed in the post-war period. Supply and replacement efforts have been uneven over time, and budget effects from the prolonged conflict have affected procurement. Officials say multiple procurement tracks are active, with different timelines for different units. These conditions mean some reservist units have newer equipment while others still use older systems. Key facts: - Officials say tens of thousands of M4 rifles have been purchased and distribution is underway alongside purchases of some Arad rifles. - Some reservist units still lack M4s and use Arad rifles or older night-sight systems, leading to varying equipment levels across units and fronts. - The replacement of the older Akila 4 sharpshooter night scope with the T75 thermal clip-on system is a separate process and is expected to take several months. - Budgetary and logistical strain from the long conflict is reported to have affected how quickly and consistently new equipment reaches reservists. Summary: Officials describe several parallel procurement processes intended to supply newer rifles and sighting systems. Current equipment levels vary by unit and by how close units are to front-line operations. The T75 night-sight replacement is expected to take several months. Longer-term effects on reservist armament remain undetermined at this time.