For the first time in Israel's history on Wednesday, the country officially named a national counter-terrorism unit. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett bestowed the honor on the Israel Police's Counter Terror Unit (YAMAM), an official designation that comes with both additional responsibilities and funding.
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The decision was based on analysis spearheaded by the National Security Council in recent years, which recommended advancing the issue. To this end, 10 million shekels $3.16 million) will be allocated from the Prime Minister's Office budget in 2022 to bolster the unit, boost its resources, add personnel and improve training, especially weaponry and training infrastructure.
The unit will be made officially responsible for the country's counter-terrorism operations, for the purpose of hostage rescue, particularly dangerous arrest raids and more. Even before this designation, the 47-year-old unit had already assumed the lead on such efforts in Israel and Judea and Samaria.
YAMAM combines a range of unique capabilities and techniques for fighting terrorism and complex criminal incidents. The unit regularly collaborates with Israel's intelligence agencies and other elite units, while its rich experience in the field has made it a world-leader in the area of counter-terrorism operations.
Public Security Minister Omer Barlev, Communications Minister Yoaz Hendel, Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana, Israel Police Inspector-General Yaakov Shabtai, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, Border Police Commander Amir Cohen, current YAMAM commander, unit members and their families, and other senior officials attended the ceremony.
"Formalizing the status of the YAMAM as the national counter-terrorism unit is an important force multiplier that will in many ways design the future of the unit for years to come," Bennett said at the ceremony.
"The goal is for the YAMAM to be the best counter-terrorism unit in the world – and you are the right people for the mission," he said. The final decision on the matter will be brought before the security cabinet "soon," the prime minister said.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz said he welcomed the "important" decision.
"Over the years, the unit has developed unique capabilities that have become a very important national resource in the war on terror," he said.
Barlev said: "The declaration… should have been made a long time ago, and we are here to do it – better late than never. The unit is currently at the forefront of the operational activities of the Israel Police, the IDF and the Shin Bet… and is required for the most complex and important actions that are carried out.
"Every year, its members are directly responsible for saving the lives of dozens and hundreds of Israelis, most of whom are not even aware that they were in danger. I thank the Prime Minister for the important decision that will help improve the security of the country's citizens and do great justice by its very nature."
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