The thirty days of the ceasefire were days ofpreparation. It was clear from the beginning that the whole thing would start up again. We knew that the decisive battles would be fought on the southern front. We also knew that our brigade would have to confront the full strength of the Egyptian army, and that we could rely only on ourselves. The brigade set to work to prepare itself. The quality of training was improved. A special brigade HQ for combat situations was set up, to command the units directly during the fighting.
In the last battles at Beit Daras and Hill 69, Palmach
units had supported the brigade, using jeeps and half-track vehicles. The soldiers were impressed by the power and potential of such units, by their combination of speed, agility, and immense firepower. A "motorized assault company" was set up, and provided with all the brigade’s jeeps and the odd armored vehicle "confiscated" from other battalions.
Our company was chosen. Those of us who had been transferred to Jerusalem during the war returned. For the first time since the start of hostilities our company was "complete" -fully manned in accordance with the organization chart.
* * *
On one of the early days of the ceasefire period we were summoned to the mess hall. Before us stood Aryeh, who had recovered and resumed command of the company. The news that we would henceforth be the "motorized commando company of the southern brigade" filled us with enthusiasm. A new spirit gripped us. We were ready for anything.