SECURITY group G4S has reached a deal to sell its controversial Israeli operations to a local private equity fund for £88 million.

The unit - which provides manned security and security systems across Israel - will be sold to FIMI Opportunity Funds.

The deal is expected to be completed within three months.

G4S Israel has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian campaign groups for the unit's role in Israeli prisons, checkpoints and settlements, but a spokesman for G4S said that the sale was an entirely commercial decision.

Chief executive Ashley Almanza said: "The sale of our business in Israel is part of our active portfolio management programme announced in 2013 to improve our strategic focus and capital discipline.

"G4S Israel is a well-managed business that will grow and prosper as part of the FIMI group, providing a positive future for our 6,000 colleagues in Israel and long-term, high-quality service and support to customers operating in the Israeli market."