Security Cabinet Decision on Declaring 35 Terrorist Organizations
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

The Ministerial Committee on National Security Affairs (the Security
Cabinet) this morning (Wednesday), 24.12.08, held a comprehensive discussion
on the issue of Global Jihad and declared 35 Al Qaida- and
Taliban-affiliated organizations to be terrorist organizations, vis-a-vis
reporting, monitoring and enforcement actions as per the laws against
money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. The decision is based on
extensive staff work by the National Security Council and applies to 35
terrorist organizations that are active mainly in Pakistan, Afghanistan and
North African countries and which direct their activities against Western
elements, and not necessarily against Israel. The decision expands upon
existing decisions against active anti-Israel organizations such as
Hezbollah and Hamas.

These declarations are a significant measure in the international struggle
against the financing of terrorism and are designed to put Israel in line
with those Western countries, especially the United States, that are also
using economic means in dealing with terrorism and which also assist Israel
in locating funds designated for terrorist organizations in the Middle East.

The decision obligates banks and financial institutions to their accounts
and financial transactions and report any activity suspected of being
related to these organizations to the Israel Money Laundering and Terror
Financing Prohibition Authority.

The National Security Council, which is the responsible body, intends to
submit additional declarations on foreign individuals and organizations for
Security Cabinet approval in the coming months.

Also, in light of developments in the Gaza Strip, ministers received
briefings and assessments by various security officials.