Definition

Noun 1. An internal security and counterintelligence agency: "General Security Services" is the formal name for the primary Israeli agency responsible for domestic security, counterintelligence, and counter-terrorism within the State of Israel and its occupied territories. Its primary focus is internal security.

Usage Notes

• The term "General Security Services" functions as a proper noun, the official English translation for the agency known in Hebrew as "Shin Bet" (a shortening of ) or "Shabak".
• It is typically used with the definite article "the" when referring to the specific organization (e.g., "the General Security Services").
• Its role is distinct from foreign intelligence agencies (like Mossad) and the national police.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The General Security Services is tasked with preventing terrorist attacks within the country's borders.
  • Information gathered by the General Security Services is crucial for internal security operations.
  • The responsibilities of the General Security Services also include protecting important infrastructure and dignitaries.

Advanced Usage

• "The Shin Bet": This is the common short name for the General Security Services in English, derived from its Hebrew acronym.
  • The Shin Bet, or General Security Services, operates under the authority of the Prime Minister's office.

Variants and Related Words

• Shin Bet (n): The most common abbreviated name for the General Security Services in English-language contexts.
• Shabak (n): Another transliteration of the Hebrew acronym for the agency.
• Internal Security Agency (n): A descriptive term for an organization with a similar domestic security mandate.
• Counterintelligence (n): One of the core functions of the General Security Services, involving activities aimed at protecting a state's secrets from foreign intelligence services.

Synonyms

• Domestic intelligence agency: An organization focused on security threats within a nation's own territory.
• Internal security service: A service dedicated to maintaining security and order within a country.

Related Phrases

• To be under the purview of the General Security Services: To fall within the area of responsibility of this agency.
  • Cyber defense of critical national infrastructure falls under the purview of the General Security Services.

Noun

1. the Israeli domestic counterintelligence and internal security agency
   • the Shin Bet also handles overall security for Israel's national airline