South Florida IDF reservists brace for combat again after Iran’s attack on Israel

A group of Israeli reserve soldiers based in South Florida frequently gather at a house in Hollywood, where they meet for support, conversation, and group mental health counseling. All of them have served combat tours in Gaza since October 7. Following Iran’s recent missile attack against Israel, they are preparing to be called into action again, this time on the Lebanese border.

These reservists had been bracing for conflict, knowing Iran would retaliate after Israel responded to months of Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, which included a strike that killed 12 children playing soccer. Israel’s counterattack resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s leader, triggering Iran’s response.

Eylan, one of the soldiers, explained, “It’s about keeping your friends alive and keeping yourself alive.” The recent barrage of nearly 200 missiles fired from Iran made it clear to the group that their return to combat was imminent. “I knew right away it’s gonna change plans,” Eylan said, reflecting on the shifting situation.

Aaron Rose, another IDF reservist who served in a commando unit in Gaza, shared his emotional turmoil as he anticipates rejoining his unit. “It’s been inevitable… we’ve always been thinking, month by month, it’s gonna happen any day. At some point, we just want it to happen so we can continue our lives,” Rose expressed, acknowledging the strain of living under constant threat.

When asked whether this felt like an existential war for Israel, Rose responded, “It’s been feeling like that from the get-go. We’ve never had such a hard-hit attack,” referencing the Hamas-led massacre on October 7 and the subsequent missile strikes from Hezbollah. As the conflict escalates, these soldiers face the harsh reality of returning to combat once again.