The Security Cabinet met today  to discuss the Global Jihad threat to the region.  Ministers received in-depth briefings from IDF Intelligence, Israel Security Agency and Mossad officials.

It arose in the discussion that Global Jihad organizations, led by Al Qaida, pose significant threats to the State of Israel, to Israeli citizens and to Jews around the world.  The aforesaid intelligence officials noted that Global Jihad constitutes a threat to the Western world, to democratic regimes and to moderate Arab elements, and added that there is concern that Global Jihad will cooperate with extremist elements in the region such as Hezbollah and Hamas.

It further arose that Global Jihad elements are utilizing civilian infrastructures, such as the internet, and information transfer technologies to coordinate, recruit and operate terrorists.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert instructed the aforesaid officials to continue their information-gathering and counter-terrorism efforts while coordinating with additional countries that are partners in the war on terrorism.