Kobi Shabtai is the former Commissioner of the Israel Police, serving as the country’s top law enforcement official from 2020 to 2024. In this role, he led the national force through some of Israel’s most complex security, civil unrest, and public safety challenges. His leadership focused on operational preparedness, anti-terror response, and reforming internal policing capabilities across multiple fronts.
Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, Shabtai built a distinguished career in Israel’s elite police and counterterrorism units. He co-founded and led “Yamas,” the Israel Police’s covert special operations and counterterrorism unit, and later commanded the Israeli Counter-Terrorism Academy. He also founded and led the Barak Unit, a specialized crime-fighting unit in the Tel Aviv district. Throughout his service, he was repeatedly recognized for valor and excellence, receiving both the Medal of Excellence and the Medal of Courage from the Israel Police Force.
With over three decades of front-line security experience, Shabtai brings operational insight into urban policing, tactical response, intelligence coordination, and crisis management. His unique background at the intersection of law enforcement and national security makes him a valuable advisor on homeland security innovation, defense technologies, and organizational leadership under pressure.
