Israeli Minister of Public Security Addresses Unit That Killed Tel-Aviv Shooter
Minister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan met with the elite Israeli counter-terrorism unit, also known as Yamam, on Sunday January 10, responsible for killing Nashat Melhem, the terrorist who killed two Israelis after opening fire on the crowded Dizengoff street in Tel Aviv on New Year’s Day.
The meeting came two days after the conclusion of an intense weeklong manhunt for Melhem which culminated in the counter-terrorist unit tracking him to a mosque in his hometown of Arara in northern Israel and killing him.
Addressing those present, Erdan praised the unit for their efforts and went on to describe the unit as the best in Israel and one of the best in the field of counter-terrorism in the world.
“I want to thank you in the name of all Israeli citizens for your swift and determined action. You remained prepared in the midst of a serious reality for the entire week and proved that the elite counter-terrorism unit is the best that we have and one of the best in the field in the world of anti-terrorism,” Erdan said.
“We see the times in which we live and Israel is in need of your professionalism and dedication. In both my name and the name of the entire nation, I salute you all.”
Police Commissioner Nitzav Elshich, also present at the meeting which took place at Erdan’s government office, further extolled the efforts of the unit which, he said, succeeded during the protracted operations to deal with the terrorist.
“The actions of the counter-terrorism force is deserving of praise and has proven once again that the long arm of the security services will extend to every terrorist.”
A commander who led the unit described the ceaseless efforts undertaken by the soldiers who, he said, had worked tirelessly from the moment that the attack occurred.
“Over the course of the past few days we overturned every rock in order to locate the terrorist. The fighters scoured house after house in accordance with our intelligence information until the terrorist was located and neutralized. The unit responded swiftly, efficiently and professionally, exactly as should be expected. We are proud to defend the people of Israel.”
Melhem, 30, a resident of Arara in northern Israel was killed in a shootout with Israeli police on Friday when they discovered that he had been hiding in a mosque in his hometown, having evaded capture in a week-long manhunt.