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.
A deeper examination of the fundamental principles reveals the vulnerabilities of the non-Israeli programs.
Risk-based strategy: The Israeli program’s strategy is based on the assumption that a uniformed search process (“one size fits all”) is a formula for failure, since the level of search is diminished when all passengers are screened in the same manner. The key to the problem is the ability to classify passengers in risk groups and adjust the level of search to the level of risk. In other words, a passenger from a “high risk” group will receive more attention and search resources than a passenger in a “low risk” group.
Practically speaking, there are two stages: first, an individual risk assessment is given for each passenger using a wide variety of information tools ranging from databases and sophisticated algorithms to personal, verbal interaction at the airport. This stage goes beyond checking names against lists and into a deeper level of analysis.
The second stage is the search protocol that can vary from a standard protocol (similar to existing international standards) to an extreme protocol that requires a total search of a passenger’s carry-on and checked bags in a designated, secluded space. This protocol looks at every item in the bags using a number of technologies, and may include a deeper interview.
Comprehensive strategy: Israeli AVSEC recognizes the link between passenger security processing and the level of security standards at the airport facility. The logic is very simple: investing most of our efforts in processing passengers and bags, while leaving the perimeter and other protective measures unattended or allowing unauthorized access to the same aircraft, can be described as “reinforcing the front door while leaving the back door open.” The recent attack in Sinai, and the possibility that the deadly device was placed on the aircraft by an employee or by an intruder, only emphasizes the importance of this issue. Beyond the protection of the aircraft, the Israeli AVSEC program also recognizes the risk of ground attacks by active shooters and suicide bombers, and implements a wide array of mitigating measures.
Organizational structure: The Israeli AVSEC program demands a clear structure of responsibility, authority, and accountability. It starts with regulator and implementer relations. The regulator is an independent government agency that has the legal power to issue and enforce regulations that reflect the standards dictated by government. The separation between the regulator and the implementer are critical to maintain the necessary performance standards. In the U.S., both functions have been carried out by TSA since 2001.
The other critical aspect is the unity of command at the field level. Unlike the U.S., Israel only has one government level (national), and the task of implementing security at Israeli airports is uniquely the responsibility of the Israeli Airport Authority (IAI). The chain of responsibility, authority, and accountability is very clear. As a result, the operation is highly functional. This is different from the U.S. situation, where different agencies report to different levels of government without a clear structure of responsibility and authority, and with very few common standards.
Manpower quality and skills: A risk-based strategy requires highly qualified manpower, who can carry out intellectually complicated risk assessment programs with many critical decisions. Israeli airport security, therefore, is seeking the crème of the Israeli society, who can be found mostly on university campuses. Realizing that these young people seek academic, professional, or business careers, the IAI offers them a designated limited time career (up to 5 years) that is designed to meet the unique student’s environment. This way, the IAI enjoys the highly intellectual quality of the new recruits in combination with high curiosity that characterizes this age group, without the need to deal with high compensation levels that are typical of longer careers. At the end of their terms, the still young employees, who are college graduates, go on to pursue other careers. It is a perfect win-win situation.
The employees that function as armed security are all recruited from elite IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) combat units. All new recruits have to be certified after undergoing basic vigorous training that qualifies them for the unique tasks. They are subjected to an intensive series of ongoing exercises and tests throughout their employment.
All of the above and more are what makes the Israeli Aviation Security program unique and successful. But above all, this is a highly motivated force, which perceives the threat as real and feels personally responsible for the results of their performance.
