The danger to Israelis abroad is increasing as Iranian terror continues unabated, the outgoing head of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau, Brig. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Nuriel told Army Radio on Thursday. We cannot talk about everything the Counter-Terrorism Bureau does, but we can explain our role using a sports metaphor: we have the right to watch the game, and if we think it is not being played properly, we can go say something to the coach, or even throw on a jersey and enter the court ourselves, Nuriel said. We wake up in the morning and ask ourselves how and what we can do so that we can better confront terrorism. The outgoing Counter-Terrorism Bureau chief told Army Radio that, The threat level to Israelis abroad is increasing, and, accordingly, so is our vigilance and preparedness. However, he urged Israelis to be aware of the threats, and said that citizens currently planning their Passover vacations should be sure to plan it right and pick recommended destinations without taking any unnecessary risks, stressing that Israelis must ask themselves whether all the necessary security components exist. The location of the hotel and its security arrangements (or lack thereof) are some of the components that factor in to the risk of danger, Nuriel said. The outgoing chief also commented on the recent attacks and attempted attacks on Israeli targets in India and Georgia. I recommend not relying on these failed attempts, since terrorist organizations always learn. The next time we encounter them - and this is bound to happen because they are always motivated - their actions will be more professional. "All of those who have investigated these incidents say that the connection to Iran is clear, which is not surprising, Nuriel said, adding, Not a lot of people know that there is a large body in Iran whose main duty is to carry out terror attacks abroad. Earlier this month, a letter was sent to the head of the National Security Council, Yaakov Amidror, warning that Nuriels continued tenure in his position could harm national security. This letter is not the reason why I am leaving my job, the outgoing chief told Army Radio. People allow themselves to criticize me because they know I wont react. The best proof of my work in the past four years that I have served in this position are my achievements and results. Ill let them stew in their own juice and move on, he said. Eitan Ben-David, who previously served as deputy head of security in the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) will replace Nuriel as the new head of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau. The National Security Council recently issued travel warnings for Israelis traveling to Thailand and Georgia.
