Since 2012, the NYPD has maintained a counter-intelligence office in Israel that coordinates training in counter-intel, crowd and protest control training such as kettling, the use of CS gas, advanced SWAT tactics, and even targeted assassinations taught by Israeli forces. This report details the relationship between the NYPD and Israeli security agencies, with a focus on the NYPD office in Kfar Saba.

Kfar Saba – Its Strategic Importance

Geopolitical Location:
Kfar Saba, located near the Green Line and adjacent to the Palestinian city of Qalqilya, holds strategic political and intelligence importance. Its proximity to the West Bank places it at a critical juncture for monitoring and managing security concerns.

 

Proximity to Critical Installations

While Kfar Saba itself does not host major military facilities, it is located near critical installations. For instance, the Glilot military base near Herzliya, home of the Israel IDF’s Unit 8200 and Mossad HQ and an NYPD office in the hood. Some of these installations have been mapped in excellent detail by @mattkorda.

 

On November 12, 2024, Hezbollah’s rocket fragments fell in Ramat Hasharon, and interceptor fragments were found at two locations in Kfar Saba. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for this strike, stating that it targeted the Glilot military base near Herzliya with Fadi-4 missiles where the Glilot base houses the IDF’s Unit 8200 and Mossad headquarters. In 2023, members of NYPD and other US law enforcement agencies had to be evacuated when Israel’s military institutions came under Hezbollah retribution attack.

Kfar Saba’s location on the Green Line near the border with the West Bank makes it a critical point for gathering information on cross-border activities. Its location and historical significance contribute to its importance in Israel’s political and intelligence landscape.

Israel also has a significant police HQ presence in Kfar Saba that is served by the Kfar Saba Police Station. This station operates under the Israel Police, which is responsible for public security. It is noteworthy that the Glilot military base, situated near Herzliya in proximity to Kfar Saba is home to the IDF’s Unit 8200 and intelligence. Herzliya is home of the Mossad headquarters. This base was targeted by Hezbollah in a rocket attack, with fragments reportedly falling in Kfar Saba.

Kfar Saba’s strategic location on the Green Line

The Green Line Kfar Saba sits on was named such because it was drawn in green ink on maps during the armistice negotiations. The Green Line separated Israel from the West Bank (then under Jordan) and the Gaza Strip (then under Egypt). It split Jerusalem into West Jerusalem (controlled by Israel) and East Jerusalem (under Jordan) until 1967. During the 1967 war, Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula (later returned to Egypt), expanding beyond the Green Line.

The Green Line marks the difference between Israel’s internationally recognized territory and the areas it has controlled since 1967 – while being a geographic a jump seat into the West Bank and also Gaza both. Israeli intelligence agencies, such as the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), are known to conduct extensive surveillance across this region bordering Palestinian areas. This includes the deployment of advanced technologies like facial recognition systems and comprehensive intelligence databases that intensely monitor Palestinians.

Al-Monitor, an online media reporting on the Middle East, stated the NYPD had opened a branch in Israel’s Sharon District Police headquarters in Kfar Saba, with former Israeli and veteran NYPD detective, Charlie Ben-Naim.

Al-Monitor reported: “Among the things he has dealt with in the line of duty are the extradition of criminals, the transmitting of intelligence information and assistance in the location of missing persons, both in the United States and in Israel. The branch reportedly has been organized so NYPD could… stay in close contact with Israeli police. “This initiative aimed to enhance collaboration between the NYPD and Israeli security forces, focusing on intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts. Veteran NYPD detective Charlie Ben-Naim, originally from Israel, was appointed to lead this branch.

The Farthest Precinct -NYPD opens branch in Kfar Saba

 

 NYPD’s Operations in Israel

Establishment of the NYPD Office (2012):
The NYPD opened a branch at the Sharon District Police Headquarters in Kfar Saba, led by veteran NYPD detective Charlie Ben-Naim. This office facilitates intelligence sharing and counterterrorism cooperation with Israeli police.

Key Figures:

Charlie Benaim – NYPD Liaison in Israel

For over 16 years, Charlie Benaim has served as the NYPD liaison stationed in Israel. His role includes monitoring potential threats, facilitating information exchange, and coordinating security measures between the NYPD and Israeli law enforcement agencies.

Mayor Eric Adams

In August 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a former police captain, visited Israel’s National Police Academy. During his visit, he met with Israeli police and security officials to discuss public safety technologies, including drone technology and crowd control tactics. Mayor Adams expressed interest in adopting certain Israeli technologies for the New York Police Department (NYPD), emphasizing the importance of balancing public safety with individual rights. U.S. police officials have participated in training sessions in Israel, where they have been exposed to Israeli methods of crowd control and protest management. For instance, officers from various U.S. states have traveled to Israel for training on crowd control, use of force, and surveillance.

 

New York City mayor says he wants to adopt Israeli drone tech for policing

 

Jessica Tisch – NYPD Commissioner

Jessica Tisch, the zionist heiress of the Loews Corporation, former head of the NYC Department of Sanitation until 2024, was appointed as the NYPD Commissioner in November 2024. Jessica Tisch has a notable background that includes significant connections to the Jewish community and all things Israel. Her family is recognized for its strong support of Israel, and she has promoted the importance of “international counterterrorism efforts.

Deputy Chief Richie Taylor

Deputy NYPD Chief Richie Taylor, who serves in the Community Affairs Bureau, has been actively involved in fostering relationships between the NYPD and Jewish communities. He has organized security briefings and has been a key figure in discussions related to antisemitism and community safety.

 

Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner

As the Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism, Rebecca Weiner plays a crucial role in the NYPD’s counterterrorism Her position involves overseeing international partnerships, including those with Israeli security agencies, to enhance intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts.

 

District Attorney Miriam Rocah

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah has been involved in facilitating law enforcement training programs in Israel. In October 2023, she coordinated a delegation of New York law enforcement leaders, including police chiefs and senior officers from Westchester, Long Island, and New York City, to participate in counterterrorism and antisemitism training in Israel. During the Hamas attacks that occurred during their visit, Rocah ensured the delegation’s safety and coordinated their return to New York.

U.S.-Israel Strategic Cooperation: 2017 Police & Law Enforcement Training

Examples of Training Programs:

• September 2017: 52 officers from 12 U.S. states, including the NYPD, trained in Israel.

• October 2023: 30 senior NYPD officials attended counterterrorism training in Israel but were evacuated during the Hamas conflict.

Training Focus Areas:

Counterterrorism Tactics: Intelligence gathering, bomb detection, rapid response, public surveillance. U.S. law enforcement agencies have adopted Israeli counterterrorism strategies, focusing on intelligence gathering, rapid response to threats, and public surveillance. Police departments have attended Israeli-led training to learn methods for handling terrorist threats, bomb detection, and crisis response. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) have participated in training programs in Israel. For instance, in September 2015, officials from the USMS were part of a delegation that traveled to Israel for counter-terrorism training sessions led by Israeli counter-terrorism officers. This trip was sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and included participants from various U.S. law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the ADL has facilitated U.S. police delegations to Israel through programs like the National Counter-Terrorism Seminar. These programs focus on counterterrorism tactics, strategies, and leadership, with participants including leadership from the U.S. Marshals Service. US Marshals repeatedly make history as a small federal agency (3,950 deputies total) with a very high fatality rate described here.

 

Photo Credit: RT – Israeli Police in Kfar Saba

Urban Warfare Tactics: SWAT room clearing, vehicle CQB, hostage rescues. U.S. SWAT teams and law enforcement agencies have engaged in various training programs in Israel to enhance their counter-terrorism and tactical capabilities. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) experience in SWAT-like engagements in dense urban environments has influenced U.S. SWAT teams’ tactics for operating in crowded or complex urban areas, particularly regarding breaching techniques and room clearing.

Crowd Control: Non-lethal weapons, kettling, behavioral profiling, surveillance.

Training Institutions:

Israeli Tactical School: This institution offers comprehensive SWAT training programs, including live-fire room clearing (live ammo shot inside, close quarters combat, target identification, team coordination, dynamic entry techniques used by American SWAT teams, “Stress and Realism” psychological pressure training), vehicle CQB (Close Quarters Battle),  Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams and specialized law enforcement units may use Vehicle CQB tactics during high-risk vehicle stops involving armed suspects or hostage situations. Some aspects of Vehicle CQB overlap with high-risk felony stop procedures, where officers strategically position themselves and their patrol cars for cover while ordering suspects out of a vehicle.

Techniques include approaching vehicles safely, using vehicles as cover, and engaging threats from or into a vehicle.They might use these tactics during barricade situations, counter-terrorism operations, or VIP protection.The courses are designed for individual officers at all levels, from beginners to advanced operators. Joint US SWAT + air support police helicopters + drones and military weapons are part of Israeli CQB training for police. These methods are used in some form or other daily in the US by domestic police.

Caliber 3 Academy: Established in 2007 by Colonel Sharon Gat of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Caliber 3 has become a leading academy for counter-terrorism, security, and defense training. They offer specialized courses for rapid response teams and SWAT units, focusing on advanced combat techniques, building entry and clearing, and tactical vehicle maneuvers.

Joint U.S.-Israel Police Training: Over the years, more than 1,200 U.S. law enforcement officials and first responders have participated in joint training exercises with Israeli counterparts. These programs often include SWAT team members and focus on counter-terrorism strategies and tactics.

Israel Foreign Threat Commission: This organization provides training and capacity-building services aimed at enhancing the skills and readiness of security personnel. Their programs empower teams to effectively counter and manage security threats, offering specialized training tailored to the needs of SWAT and rapid response units implemented in the US.

 

Israeli Influence on U.S. Policing Tactics

Counterterrorism:

U.S. police, including the NYPD, have adopted Israeli counterterrorism methods such as intelligence-led policing and surveillance strategies.

Crowd Control by NYPD
Photo Credits: NYPD Commissioner Rebecca Weiner

Crowd Control and Protest Management
Israeli methods for managing protests, including surveillance and crowd dispersal techniques, have been studied and used by U.S. police for controlling demonstrations.

 

NYPD’s and Israel’s Joint Police Training

U.S. police officers from departments in New York, Georgia, and other states have traveled to Israel for joint training programs, focusing on high-threat response and border security tactics.

 

Israeli Concepts Integrated into U.S. Policing

Security Infrastructure at Public Spaces:

U.S. cities have adopted Israeli-style security checkpoints and surveillance methods in airports, train stations, and large public events.

Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP):

Borrowing from Israel’s intelligence-based security models, U.S. police departments have integrated intelligence gathering to prevent crime and terrorism.

Targeted Killings and Drone Surveillance:

Though more common in military contexts, some U.S. law enforcement agencies have explored Israeli drone surveillance methods for monitoring crime-prone areas.

 

Israeli Practices Related to Police Profiling

1. Airport and Border Security:

   • Israel’s security practices, particularly at airports involve behavioral profiling rather than solely racial profiling. Many of these methods were somewhat adapted into the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Behavior Detection and Analysis (BDA), formerly known as Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques (SPOT), aiming to identify potential threats through behavioral indicators. Unlike in Israel, these programs have faced US criticism regarding their effectiveness and potential for racial profiling.

   • In Israel, passengers are questioned and scrutinized based on perceived behavioral cues and background, but critics argue thatArab passengers and Palestinians are disproportionately targeted for searches and interrogations. Such tactics are the staples of US traffic stops, particularly those deemed high-risk stops. This approach is explained by Israeli authorities as a necessary preventive counterterrorism measure.

2. Treatment of Israel’s African Asylum Seekers and Ethiopian Jews:

   • Reports have highlighted discrimination and racial profiling againstAfrican asylum seekers and the Ethiopian Jewish community within Israel. Incidents of excessive police force and over-policing of Black communities in the US have drawn parallels to racial profiling issues in the US.

Key Components of Crowd Control Techniques Developed by Israel and used in the U.S.

1. Use of Non-Lethal Weapons:

   • Batons: Employed to disperse crowds and manage protests. Notably, in July 2021, the Israeli police expanded protocols to permit baton use in lower-level riots, raising concerns about potential overuse.

   • Tear Gas (CS Gas): Commonly used to control and disperse crowds. The exchange of crowd-control weapons, including U.S.-made tear gas canisters, has been documented between the U.S. and Israel. How the US and Israel exchange tactics in violence and control

2. Kettling:

   • Tactical kettling of protesters was developed in Israel. It is a tactic involving the containment of protesters within a confined area to control large crowds and prevent escalation. This method is utilized in various countries, including Israel.

3. Profiling, Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering:

   • Monitoring and identifying potential agitators within crowds to preemptively address threats. This includes the use of technology and limited hangouts to gather actionable intelligence.

4. Training and Coordination:

   • Specialized units receive training in crowd psychology to manage protests effectively.

Israel’s presence at U.S. pro-Palestine protests in 2024:

Credits: @FilmThePoliceLA

Many of the described crowd control methods and psyops were used widely in pro-Palestine demonstrations in 2024 at Columbia University, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA), Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA), University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA), University of South Florida (Tampa, FL), University of Texas (Austin, TX), Emory University (Atlanta, GA) and UCLA where @FilmThePoliceLA was able to identify several IDF operatives engaged in inciting violence against pro-Palestine students with a classic Israeli IDF operatives such as Eliran Bismut and a number of other Israelis arrived at UCLA campus in May of 2024 and engaged in deceptive infiltration, agent provocateur tactics, manufactured disorder, staged violence under false flag (posing as protester while instigating violence), psyops, covert destabilization of the crowd and other Israeli-taught methods.

Urban Warfare Tactics:

• U.S. SWAT units have adopted Israeli breaching and vehicle CQB tactics.

Application of Israeli Police Training in U.S. Protests

In the past year, particularly during pro-Palestine protests on American college campuses, law enforcement agencies have employed crowd control measures to manage demonstrations. The tactics used have included surveillance, deployment of non-lethal weapons, and strategic containment of crowds. IDF operatives were identified as instigators during UCLA protests who collaborated directly with LAPD.

While Israeli crowd control techniques are well-established and have been shared with U.S. law enforcement through various training programs, the direct impact of these methods on U.S. policing practices, especially during recent protests, is complex and multifaceted.

Image Credits: Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner’s office of NYPD guarding a pro-Israel rally

 

Israeli Surveillance and Digital Intelligence Tools in U.S. Law Enforcement

Israeli-developed surveillance and intelligence tools have significantly influenced American law enforcement practices, particularly in digital forensics and data extraction.

• Cellebrite’s Digital Forensics Tools: Cellebrite provides advanced mobile data extraction tools used by U.S. agencies like the FBI and ICE. Contracts with ICE in 2017 ($2.2 million) and 2019 ($30-35 million) demonstrate its widespread use.

• Paragon Solutions’ Spyware: Paragon developed the ‘Graphite’ spyware, capable of accessing encrypted data from cloud services. In 2024, ICE signed a $2 million contract for this spyware. As of January 2025, there is no publicly available evidence indicating a direct connection between former President Donald Trump and NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, its CEOs, or related individuals. Additionally, reports have surfaced about the U.S. government’s interest in acquiring surveillance technology from Israeli firms. For instance, the Trump administration signed a contract with the Israeli company Paragon for its spyware, Graphite, intended for use by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).In December 2024, Paragon Solutions was acquired by U.S. private equity firm AE Industrial Partners for approximately $500 million, with the deal’s total value potentially reaching $900 million based on performance milestones. This acquisition reflects Paragon’s strategic efforts to expand its presence in the U.S. market.

• NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware: 

• Pegasus spyware can infiltrate/hack mobile devices to access sensitive data. The FBI tested Pegasus from 2019 to 2021 but opted not to deploy it domestically.

• Development of Pegasus Spyware: NSO Group developed its first iteration of Pegasus spyware in 2011.

• Use by U.S. Law Enforcement: In 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) secretly purchased Pegasus spyware and tested it over two years. Despite considering its use for domestic surveillance, the FBI decided against deploying it within the U.S. by the summer of 2021. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Secret Service also engaged in discussions with NSO Group, but these did not progress beyond initial stage. In March of 2023, President Joe Biden signed an executive order prohibiting the operational use of commercial spyware by U.S. government agencies if it poses risks to national security or has been misused by foreign actors to enable human rights abuses. This order reflects the administration’s cautious approach toward the use of surveillance tools like Pegasus. It was recently discovered that President Biden was less concerned about national security when he purchased Pegasus for the use by the government of Colombia in 2021.

• Palantir: Peter Thiel, as the co-founder of Palantir Technologies, has played a significant role in developing and promoting data analytics platforms utilized by various law enforcement agencies. Palantir’s software, notably the Gotham platform, integrates vast amounts of data from multiple sources, including crime reports, license plate readers, and social media, to provide comprehensive analytical tools for policing. This integration enables law enforcement to identify patterns, assess risks, and make informed decisions. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) previously utilized Palantir’s data analytics software to integrate and analyze information from various sources, including arrest records, license plate readings, and parking tickets. This system aimed to reveal connections among crimes and individuals, enhancing investigative capabilities. However, in 2017, the NYPD decided to discontinue its contract with Palantir and transition to an internally developed system named Cobalt. This decision led to a dispute over data portability, as Palantir was reluctant to provide the NYPD with its data in a standardized format compatible with the new system, citing concerns over exposing its proprietary technology. As of January 2025, there is no publicly available information indicating that the NYPD has resumed using Palantir’s software.

Criticism and Controversies

Militarization of Police:

• Critics argue that Israeli training visibly contributes to the militarization of U.S. police forces.

• Programs facilitated by the ADL and GILEE have raised concerns over aggressive policing strategies.

Racial Profiling Concerns:

While Israel did not invent racial profiling, U.S. law enforcement agencies have participated in training programs in Israel that focus on counterterrorism, surveillance, and crowd control. Critics argue that:

• These programs, heavily facilitated by organizations like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE), may contribute to the militarization of police and influence aggressive policing strategies.

• There are concerns that tactics used in conflict zones could normalize racial profiling practices in U.S. communities, especially targeting Black, Latino, Arab, and Muslim populations.

There is currently no direct evidence that Israel explicitly or exclusively trained U.S. police in racial profiling. Profiling based on race in the U.S. has deeper historical roots, tied to colonial policing, Jim Crow laws, and the War on Drugs but it is apparent that this background has merged with modern Israeli methods to target minority populations.

The NYPD’s presence in Israel and its ongoing collaboration with Israeli security agencies reflect a strategic partnership focused on counterterrorism, urban warfare, and crowd control. While these tactics have bolstered security measures, they have also raised significant concerns regarding civil liberties, militarization, and racial profiling.

More Reading:

Israel’s Friends Within The NYPD

Israelizing the American police, Palestinianizing the American people

NYPD in Israel: Hannah Arendt on the Best Police Department in the World

Policing in a Genocide

NYPD top brass training in Israel when the SHTF were evacuated

Do Small Town Cops Need Training in Israeli Counterterror Techniques?

It began with 9/11…
Report Criticizes NYPD Collaboration With Israel

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