The Israeli media reported that five reserve battalions -- which are each composed of at least 500 troops -- had been called up on the orders of Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, despite the misgivings of chief of staff General Moshe Yaalon.

According to army radio, the five battalions will be mobilised for three weeks in order to replace regular army units who are due to undergo training.

The move follows a recent increase in warnings of threats against Israeli targets.

A military source confirmed that reservists were being called up but would not give numbers.

"The Israeli army has today mobilised a certain number of reservists for a limited time who will be deployed in the territories," the source told AFP.

WAR.WIRE