Lessons from the Israeli Experience

By Rafi Ron

Rafi Ron is the CEO of New Age Security Solutions (NASS), a consulting and design firm specializing in Airports and transportation security and based in the Washington DC area. Rafi's outstanding 45-year security career includes various command positions in intelligence and special operations in Israel. Prior to founding NASS in the USA, he served as Director of Security at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport for five years.

The Israeli aviation security program is different from all other Aviation Security (AVSEC) programs used today due to the fact that it was created as a real risk-based program that focuses on results and places the passenger at the center of its risk assessment. It takes a comprehensive approach that considers the airport facility’s security and employee loyalty as critical links in the security chain. The organizational structure is focused and consistent with its mission, and its manpower meets the highest qualifications and skills.  Although the program has undergone many changes and modifications throughout the years, it remains faithful to these principles.

In terms of results, the Israeli program has delivered a perfect record for more than 45 years, despite numerous attempts against it. It should be noted that it is the only AVSEC program that has detected explosive devices—even when the passenger carrying it was not aware of it—without any intelligence warning.

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