Training for the worst

(Video) As the disengagement looms over the horizon, security forces are taking no chances in their preparations for the confrontations expected in coming weeks.

“We don’t have concrete intelligence on plans by settlers to kidnap soldiers during the Gaza pullout, but we are preparing for every situation,” said IDF major-general of southern forces Dan Harel, while visiting training camps for security forces gearing up for the disengagement.

Harel made the comments during one exericise in which forces simulated an attempt by a Gush Katif homeowner to kidnap the head of a security crew who had come to evacuate him and his family from their home.

“The real problem is to get to the door and to know how to do that with sensitivity,” emphasized Harel.

“We explain to soldiers what they are going to be dealing with and why it will be difficult,” said Harel.

“At the same time, we explained to them our role as the security arm, that being the carrying out of the laws made by the government and state.”

An intensely hot day saw soldiers and police conducting several drills simulating a number of possible scenarios in which they could be attacked by settlers.

See security forces train for upcoming pullout:

One of the simulated situations was the use of gas ballons by settlers as an explosive device, or the arrival of dozens of “hilltop kids” (far-right activists from the West Bank) in order to confront the army and police.

The soldiers also took part in theoretical lessons, and were taught the rights they possessed in order to carry out their mission, including the arrest of violent settlers.

This morning, security forces will work with psychologists and professions, who will work to mentally protect the soldiers for the difficult mission ahead.

It seemed from the difficult exercises that were conducted yesterday that more than a few soldiers will need psychological aid from therapists in order to get through the days ahead.