Originally Posted by cardiomd

+1. It is a perfect example of how people just want to cling to simple ideas instead of looking deeper into an issue. I agree with *aspects* of Israeli security (baggage screening, behind-the-scenes work against organized terrorism.)

The Israeli agents are trained to detect "covers" because their situation is much different. For instance, I could tell if you were actually a doctor by asking you a few questions and having a brief conversation. It would not be hard for me, and it would almost be impossible for you to study to fake this (without actually going to medical school). Similarly, although I may no some facts, etc., there is essentially no way I could pretend to be, say, a lawyer, or a diplomat, or even a oil rig worker, without a great deal of study and briefing. It would be very, very difficult to assume these identities. Israeli agents are trained to get holes in people's stories, and detect travel on false pretenses, which is similar to what a CBP agent interview does.

This is NOT the role of the TSA, who implemented some half-a$$ implementation that more relies on voodoo and "mind reading" instead of detection of inconsistency. We allow people to travel freely domestically, which is not necessarily a right for Israel, who is primarily servicing international flights too. The two situations are not remotely similar.