The IDF stated that this was necessary to defend the country and secure its citizens.

The call-up comes a week after most Israeli ground forces were withdrawn from Gaza, with pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to send troops into Rafah on the Egyptian border.

The US has expressed concerns over potential civilian casualties if Israel enters Rafah to defeat Hamas.

Israel maintains it cannot achieve its goal without entering the city.

The concerns come after Israeli forces repelled an attack from Iranian drones and missiles, in response to an Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in Damascus.

Tehran blamed Israel for the attack, and Israel claimed it had stopped over 99% of the Iranian projectiles with the help of its partners.

The IDF Spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, stated that the Israeli military remains focused on its goals in Gaza despite the recent Iranian attack.

Hamas and Iran are attempting to escalate conflict in the Middle East, according to Hagari.

The current hostilities in Gaza began in October with a Hamas incursion into southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and hostages taken.

Local health authorities report that over 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli retaliation, the majority of whom were women and children.