Defense minister approves call-up of 3,000 reservists to aid virus response

Defense Minister Benny Gantz approves the call-up of 3,000 reservists to assist in the formation of a “coronavirus command,” to coordinate the military’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This will mostly be made up of reservists from the IDF Home Front Command, his office says.

Some of the 3,000 reservists will serve in the headquarters of the coronavirus command, where they will help set up the initiative before the program is taken over by full-time staffers.

Gantz’s office says others will conduct epidemiological surveys, interviewing confirmed coronavirus carrier to determine whom else they may have infected. Some will also be sent to the coronavirus hotels being operated by the military and assist in the coordination between the national government and local authorities.

— Judah Ari Gross