It was learned that the IDF is increasing its reserve forces by means of special mobilization orders to establish fire brigades. This follows intelligence assessments that the Palestinians plan to increase the quantity of incendiary balloons, Walla News reports.

The report states that in recent days, reservists have received a notice stating that they will soon be sent emergency call-up orders requiring them to report to reserve duty immediately due to the security situation in the south of the country.

An additional investigation conducted by the soldiers revealed that this was an immediate reserve mobilization for firefighting positions for the Gaza Division as part of the preparations for increased arson attacks involving incendiary balloons.

In the past year, the IDF has developed portable firefighting crews on Hummers towing water tanks and hoses operated by motor and compressors to extinguish fires. This method of combating the balloon bombs includes a ‘war room’ that receives and analyzes information from the field and directs the fire crews.

In the past few weeks, soldiers serving in their obligatory service have been assigned to these duties, but according to the assessments of the IDF based on intelligence, the factions in the Gaza Strip, headed by Hamas, are encouraging the launching of terrorist balloons despite the understandings between the sides towards exerting pressure on Israel to promote the implementation of the understandings between the parties, mediated by Egypt. Some of the farmers in the Western Negev are preparing for a new wave of arson and are rushing to reap the fields.

The IDF Spokesman responded: “According to the assessment of the situation, a small reserve mobilization of several dozen reservists has been approved to reinforce the firefighting forces in the Southern Command”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)