Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the deployment of reservists would be crafted “in a way that it can be refreshed, the Israeli economy can function, families who are waiting for their loved ones can return to their routines”, Reuters reports.

Local media have reported that several military divisions were deployed throughout Gaza. The official added that some of the troops pulled out of Gaza in the south would be prepared for rotation to the northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Israel has warned that, if Hezbollah does not back down, a full-on Lebanon war looms. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are allegedly backed by Iran, whose allies in Syria, Iraq and Yemen have also been carrying out longer-range attacks against Israel.

“The situation on the Lebanese front will not be allowed to continue. This coming six-month period is a critical moment,” the official said, adding that Israel would convey a similar message to a US envoy conducting shuttle missions to Beirut.

Israel initially drafted 300,000 reservists — some 10pc to 15pc of its workforce — for what looks set to be its longest-ever offensive. Government sources have said between 200,000 and 250,000 reservists were still mobilised and absent from jobs or studies.