Practical Travel Safety Issues - How Israel screens passengers - a critique of TSA

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/744199---israelification-high-security-little-bother

The article correctly identifies us Americans as sheep, and Israelis as folks who don't take s**t from anybody" as a significant factor.

What it doesn't say in this excellent article is that there is enormous profit in making 100s and 1000s of these very expensive screening devices. Major profiteers/owners-of-congresspeople (like GE) are big in this business.

The US is not Israel, and long may it stay that way. And Israeli airport security methods have flopped when pursued by the TSA.

The TSA might as well look to North Korea as a model.

The article is also incorrect in that Israeli security at Ben Gurion (ISA) most certainly does look for liquids and electronics. You're required to empty *all* electronics from your bag -- even simple cables -- and only liquids under 50ml (not 100ml) are allowed in one's carry-on.

Solid deodorant is also not allowed if over 50 grams. ISA says "We consider these liquids." I don't imagine it would be useful to argue that matter does not change state when it crosses international borders.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/744199---israelification-high-security-little-bother

The article correctly identifies us Americans as sheep, and Israelis as folks who don't take s**t from anybody" as a significant factor.

What it doesn't say in this excellent article is that there is enormous profit in making 100s and 1000s of these very expensive screening devices. Major profiteers/owners-of-congresspeople (like GE) are big in this business.

It is interesting to note that we had a presentation on the process that Israel uses. First off the vehicle gets searched on the way to the airport. Then when you get to the airport, there are over 700 cameras on the premises. You are then spoken to directly for signs of deceipt. You are then screened in some ways less and other ways more than in the USA. Remember that they can and do profile in foreign countries. They are heavily armed in the airport also as in MILITARY.

It is interesting to note that we had a presentation on the process that Israel uses.
I am overjoyed that you got a presentation. As to the rest, my interpretation (IANAL).

First off the vehicle gets searched on the way to the airport.
4th Amendment violation here in the USA. Such a search, pursuant to the 4th Amendment, requires a warrant or exigent circumstances; entering the airport property does not meet those criteria.
Then when you get to the airport, there are over 700 cameras on the premises.
Good for them. We also have video surveillance equipment in just about every airport. I am certain BWI has well over 700 alone.

You are then spoken to directly for signs of deceipt.
If the USA attempted to require this process, it would be a violation of the 5th Amendment.

The article is also incorrect in that Israeli security at Ben Gurion (ISA) most certainly does look for liquids and electronics. You're required to empty *all* electronics from your bag -- even simple cables -- and only liquids under 50ml (not 100ml) are allowed in one's carry-on.

Solid deodorant is also not allowed if over 50 grams. ISA says "We consider these liquids." I don't imagine it would be useful to argue that matter does not change state when it crosses international borders.

I've flown out of Ben Gurion, and I never had to empty any electronics/cables from my bag except perhaps the laptop before going through the WTMD. Nothing about solid deodorant being not allowed either, unless that has changed recently. I also kept my shoes on going through the WTMD.

Now at Ben Gurion, you do get the interview (could be very short or long, depending on your circumstances). They send all checked bags through a type of xray machine, and they have you explain any questionable items they find on the xray image.

What is Israel's success rate in preventing terrorist attacks on their planes and at their airports? I can't remember one. Are they targeted as much or more than the US?

Would Israeli security have caught the 9/11 guys? Richard Reid? Abduhlmultalab? Before they got on planes?

I've flown out of Ben Gurion, and I never had to empty any electronics/cables from my bag except perhaps the laptop before going through the WTMD. Nothing about solid deodorant being not allowed either, unless that has changed recently. I also kept my shoes on going through the WTMD.

Now at Ben Gurion, you do get the interview (could be very short or long, depending on your circumstances). They send all checked bags through a type of xray machine, and they have you explain any questionable items they find on the xray image.

I've flown out of Ben Gurion, too. I witnessed all passengers emptying all electronics from their bags. It's possible I was flagged for additional screening given that I was traveling with a rather unique electronic device at the time and had entry/exit stamps from more than one Muslim country, but I saw numerous other passengers having to do the same.

What was your experience on liquids and when did you fly? My experience was two months ago.

The xray machine for all checked bags also apparently has the ability to simulate high altitude and/or low pressure as one would find on an airplane.

It has been several years for me so I know things could have changed. I've never been flagged for extra screening either so that may make a difference as well. For those who have been selected, then those requirements are probably quite different.

I've flown out of Ben Gurion, too. I witnessed all passengers emptying all electronics from their bags. It's possible I was flagged for additional screening given that I was traveling with a rather unique electronic device at the time and had entry/exit stamps from more than one Muslim country, but I saw numerous other passengers having to do the same.

The reason everyone around you was emptying all electronics from their bags too was because you were in a special area for greater risks. Liquids are OK at TLV and I don't take out my laptop there either.

Would Israeli security have caught the 9/11 guys?

Yes.

Richard Reid?

Yes (actually happened).

Abduhlmultalab?

Yes.

Before they got on planes?

Yes.

Government should not be allowed to treat the citizens of the US in the gross, intrusive, medically and psychologically damaging manner because they wish to get on a plane, a bus or go to a football game. We must not be forced to submit to any of this. It is way out of hand already. Flying is an insult and ugly experience already. We have let the terrorists win . They must be laughing watching us cower to our own government by removing our clothing and submitting to harmful xrays and gropes.
Doing all of this is time consuming, expensive and stupid. A determined killer will kill regardless of how we strip search our children and old people.
Time to hire intelligent officers, skilled at PROFILING and gear all this to those who are most likely at fault, deny the right to fly to anyone who espouses beliefs in so called religions that call for killing. Have American only flights that we can choose to go on.

What is Israel's success rate in preventing terrorist attacks on their planes and at their airports? I can't remember one. Are they targeted as much or more than the US?

Would Israeli security have caught the 9/11 guys? Richard Reid? Abduhlmultalab? Before they got on planes?

They *DID* catch Richard Reid. Since it was only a test they didn't find anything but he flew seated next to an air marshal anyway.

The US is not Israel, and long may it stay that way. And Israeli airport security methods have flopped when pursued by the TSA.

The TSA might as well look to North Korea as a model.

I've been to North Korea; it's still more professional than TSA.