Structure and Responsibilities of the Israeli Police

The Israeli National Police (INP) operates as the sole law enforcement agency across the state, comprising approximately 35,000 officers serving a population of around 10 million. Unlike U.S. law enforcement, the INP is tasked not only with traditional policing functions such as law enforcement and traffic control but also with internal security and counter-terrorism operations. The force is divided into seven territorial districts, each managed by a major general, with operational units present in every district. Notably, a specialized unit known as MAGAV, or Border Police, plays a significant role in counter-terrorism and carries out duties alongside regular police forces, reinforcing the dual responsibility of the police in maintaining both public safety and security against terrorist threats.