The IDF has recently stepped up the training of its reserves in anticipation of a ground offensive in Gaza, as the "lull" arrangement with Hamas nears its final day – December 19. The IDF is bracing for the possibility that full fledged fighting will be renewed.

Paintball exercise at Tse'elim mockup
Walla! news

Channel 10 television reported that members of elite reserve units have received call-up notices for training exercises which will simulate a renewed conquest of Gaza.

Besides the stepped-up training of reserve forces, the Golani Brigade too held a special exercise in the Golan Heights which is also part of the preparation for a possible Gaza operation. The exercise included close air support by a squadron of jet fighters.

Mock Arab town at Tse'elim
Walla! news

Most of Hamas's leaders reportedly do not want the "lull" to end yet and the terror organization it is utilizing the relative quiet to arm and train for a future confrontation with Israel – as are other terror groups (see video).

The Nachshon Battalion of the IDF's Kfir Regiment underwent training for urban warfare at the Tse'elim base in the Negev, where a mock Arab town has been built for training purposes. According to Walla! news, the troops used paintball guns instead of real guns, and some of them played the part of Arab terrorist guerrillas.

The Arab town is a life-size mockup which includes Arab-style buildings, minarets and even Muezzin calls to prayer. The exercises are recorded on video and then analyzed for tactical improvement.

According to Lt.-Col. Shalom, the IDF "is preparing for any situation of escalation" which can come in January, when Fatah head Mahmoud Abbas's term as Palestinian Authority "President" ends, or later; Abbas has insisted that he will stay in office until general PA legislative elections are held in 2010. 

"As a battalion we are preparing ourselves for any situation and we must not get hung up on this date or that, or we will find ourselves being surprised," Lt.-Col. Shalom said.