ATHENS ø Israel has played a major role in securing the Olympic Games from insurgency attacks.

At least 20 Israeli defense and security companies have won contracts in Greece's $1.5 billion security project for the Olympics. The companies have offered security expertise, sensors, naval patrol vessels and a range of software packages.

Officials said Israel has sent military and police advisers to enhance Greece's armed forces. They said the training included the creation of sterile zones on both land, air and sea.

Other training focused on a Greek response to an insurgency attack as well as distinguishing between a lethal attack and a civil protest. Israel has also helped Greece in VIP protection, Middle East Newsline reported.

The Greek security effort has been capped by a $312 million command and control system headed by Science Applications International Corp. At least a dozen Israeli companies, including Elbit Systems, Israel Shipyards, Motorola Israel and Check Point Software Technologies, participate in the C2 project.

Israel Shipyards has sold three Shaldag-class patrol boats to the Greek Coast Guard for use at the Olympics. The boats were equipped with artillery and sensors provided by Rafael, Israel Armament Development Authority.

Software has also comprised a significant contribution by Israel to the Olympic Games. C. Mer Industries won a $25 million contract for the sale of software that can detect and categorize security risks. The software was integrated into the C2 system and was said to be able to distinguish between the sound of a flat tire exploding and a gunshot.

Israel's Controp Precision Technologies, a supplier to Israel's military, has sold 18 Cedar-M observation cameras for the protection of sea ports. The Cedar-M provides automatic day/night detection by scanning a panoramic view of a targeted area.

Motorola Israel has won a $100 million contract to provide cellular units for Olympic security. The units were provided to guards posted around Olympic facilities.