In the wake of recent terrorist attacks, the Israel Police will receive 181 million shekels ($56.6 million) as part of an emergency budget, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office said in a statement Thursday.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The first 111 million ($35 million) will be transferred immediately and the rest by August, the statement said.
The funds will be used, among other things, to create a reserve Border Police company as well as for the immediate recruitment of 200 Border Police non-commissioned officers, the procurement of 6,500 bulletproof vests, 4,000 helmets, and 40 motorcycles, equipping for 10 Border Police companies, and recruitment of volunteers, consolidation, and strengthening of the National Guard and recruitment of reservists.
"For many years, the Israel Police has been neglected and the operational needs required to meet its missions have not been met," Bennett said after the announcement. "We are fixing this and are now allocating significant resources to meet the overarching mission – protecting public safety. A strong police equals a strong State of Israel. This is the equation and this we are applying. We are in the midst of a wave of terror directed against the citizens of Israel and are working with all tools and in all arenas to restore security and a sense of security. This is our duty. As until today, this time too - we will succeed together."
Public Security Minister Omer Barlev praised the move, calling it "an unprecedented milestone and show of trust … in the police."
"Many years of neglect that has led to many gaps that were exposed in the events of Operation Guardian of the Walls and will enable a response and improvement of operational capabilities. I will continue to strengthen the Israeli police and internal security in order to strengthen the sense of security of all Israeli citizens and the strength of Israeli society," he said.
Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai concurred.
"It is an important and significant budget and resource increase at this time, in which Israeli police officers are physically protecting Israeli citizens from terrorism with an unprecedented deployment throughout the country. Along with the many tasks of the Israel Police in the daily routine in the areas of crime, civil service, road accidents, counterterrorism, and many other areas, there are also major challenges in preparing for escalation and emergency scenarios, and with this important intensification, we are better prepared for probation. I congratulate the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Security on formulating the budget summary for a much stronger and more effective police force."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
