Jerusalem’s residents will see a return of security personnel to public transport services following a decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet earlier today, Sunday December 13. Beginning with immediate effect, hundreds of security guards will be assigned to various locations including bus stops and bus lines throughout Israel’s capital.

Minister of Transport and Intelligence, Yisrael Katz placed the guards into action today, stating that the goal of the unit is to prevent terrorist attacks, a goal which he said was of paramount importance.

“The deployment is the correct course of action, and it can reduce the threat to a minimum and even eliminate it,” Katz said.

The first phase of the deployment will include 300 security guards consisting of veterans of IDF combat units, and of tens of mobile special security crew that will travel on the public transport routes and stations during all operating hours.

Israeli public transport company, Egged, recruited the security personnel during a selective process overseen and guided by the Israeli police.

The personnel have been given the authority to conduct body searches of passengers, passersby and their belongings. In cases which arouse suspicion, the searched individuals may be detained. The deployment will also allow the guards to carry out secret or public activities, the details of which were not elaborated upon.

During the last month and a half, IDF soldiers were deployed around Jerusalem’s streets, buses and the city’s light rail train in the wake of frequent stabbing attacks in the area.

According to Katz, the civilian unit will reinforce security for civilians, users of public transport both at bus stops and especially on the roads. Katz added that the first guards were recruited after a rigorous selection process and professional training which included intensive shooting exercises, Krav Maga, strategies in recognizing and locating suspects, providing first aid treatment and more.

Katz appeared earlier today before tens of the unit’s guards during the first phase emphasizing that public transport passengers were targets of serious terrorist attacks.

“Your mission is to act decisively and responsibly. On the one hand we must be determined to prevent any way by which an attack or threat to passengers of public transport can be implemented. At the same time, we must act with responsibility,” Katz cautioned.

During the coming days, more recruits will be drafted into the unit and will be swiftly assigned to protect designated areas.