IDF troops.

Josh Hantman, a spokesman for Israel’s Ministry of Defense, has confirmed to The Algemeiner that Defense Minister Ehud Barak has approved further call-ups of reserve soldiers. A diplomatic source in Jerusalem told The Algemeiner the number of troops was 75,ooo, however Hantman would not confirm this.

Israeli daily Haaretz reports that Israeli government secretary Hauser is conducting a telephone poll of ministers to get the okay. The move would be approved by the Security Cabinet tonight.

In comparison to recent Israeli operations, the number of troops being discussed is quite high. For Operation Cast Lead in 2008 10,000 reserves were called up, and for Israel’s Second Lebanon War in 2006, 60,000 troops were called up.

Alon ben David, the chief military correspondent for Channel 10 news in Israel said that “Military sources advise to be ready for significant expansion of “Pillar of Defense”.

The Israeli Security Cabinet is now in session.

The increased troop call-up comes after two rockets were fired at Jerusalem by Hamas. They landed north of the city in the West Bank.

UPDATE: Israeli state radio Reshet Bet reported that the Defense Ministry’s request to draft 75,000 reserve troops has been approved.