Unit commander Ami Shaked
Photo: Ronny Sofer
Gush Katif security unit dismantled
Unit, comprised of 150 Gaza settlers, assisted IDF in preventing and containing dozens of terror-related incidents throughout the years; IDF Southern Brigade Commander says, “Ami Shaked (security unit’s commander) is a hero, and his men are also heroes; they fought alongside the IDF against the terrorists; they were always the first to arrive on the scene’
The Gaza Beach Regional Council’s Security Unit, which assisted the IDF in preventing and containing dozens of terror-related incidents throughout the years, has been dismantled in the framework of Israel’s pullout from the area.
During the first years of the intifada, the 150 unit members were at times the first to face infiltrating terrorists, until IDF forces arrived at the scene.
IDF Southern Brigade Commander Colonel Avi Peled, who supervised over the unit’s activities, told Ynet, “Ami Shaked (security unit’s commander) is a hero, and his men are also heroes. They fought alongside the IDF against the terrorists; they were always the first to arrive on the scene.”
Peled also expressed his gratitude for the unit members’ decision to “Stand by the IDF and permit the implementation of the pullout without violence.”
Shaked said during the unit’s dismantling ceremony, which was held last Thursday at the Kissufim crossing, “I presented you all with an almost inhuman request – to see the destruction of your homes with your own eyes and the banishment of your families as you remained here with me to safeguard and lift the spirits of Gush Katif residents. Today we salute the (Gush Katif) residents for their heroics during the war and the struggle.”
He also called on the Defense Ministry to assist the newly-unemployed unit members.
“I will not rest until I find a job for all of my soldiers,” Shaked said.
