The cabinet on Sunday approved the proposal by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Public Security Minister Omer Barlev to declare the Israel Police Counterterrorism Unit as the National Counterterrorism Unit.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The decision, the goal of which is to strengthen the capabilities of the unit, is based on a review by the National Security Council performed over the past several years, which recommended the upgrade in status given the various operations with which the unit is tasked.
The Police Counterterrorism Unit is an elite special forces unit that combines a range of unique capabilities and means used in the war on terror, as well as in the fight against organized crime. It collaborates closely with other defense, security and intelligence agencies on a daily basis.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the upgrade to the unit's status includes a 10 million shekels ($3.2 million) budget increase in 2022, with the aim of bolstering the unit's combat prowess, increasing personnel, and upgrading operational proficiency, with emphasis on weaponry and training infrastructures.
At the same time, a plan will be formulated for continued financing ahead of the approval of the 2023 state budget.
"For years, the unit's members and commanders have saved many lives in various operations, not all of which may be discussed. I tell you that we are in good hands," Bennett said during Sunday's cabinet meeting.
"Our goal and the goal that I have set for the National Counterterrorism Unit is for it to be the best counterterrorism unit in the world," he said.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
