The Israeli Approach to Better Coping with Homeland Security Issues

During the years 2001-2004 Israel faced a dramatic increase in suicide terror attacks in public areas (as many as 10-12 events monthly). Since 2005 there has been a massive reduction such terror on the cities’ streets of Israel and it's roots have been mitigated and rolled back on a very large scale. Let us look at how Israel has managed to cope with and counter this terrible threat and analyse in particular one of the key factors in this fight, the role of private security organs in the greater security system.

Among the reasons for Israel’s tremendous ability to cope with such daily threats, we can identify four main traits which have strengthened our resilience in the face of the unrelenting terror and violence that has plagued us for so long. Firstly is the presence of a strong leadership which has shown in the past that it can put aside differences to steer the nation and give them strength when the security of the nation as a whole is at risk. Secondly the Israeli homeland security apparatus (Police, Military and Other Security Services) is well trained and well equipped to deal with contemporary threats quickly and effectively. Thirdly is the civilian population itself. Israeli citizens have all done military service and their level of preparedness aided in quick and effective response to acts of violence, minimizing their effect, aiding in recovery afterwards and even contributing to outright prevention. Their support for the leadership's solutions enabled us all to find the strength to withstand and overcome terror and violence at its worst. The fourth factor is the presence of a very involved and dynamic private security sector that fills in the gaps where the government cannot and contribute to completing a solid and steady line against threats to the Israeli public.

We will now expand on this somewhat unique involvement of the private sector in homeland security. Because of the situation in Israel there are many private security companies especially because security is required for any place in which large groups of people may gather. This security needs to cope not only with the traditional petty crime that their counterparts outside of Israel have to but also with the threat of terrorism in its various forms and even attacks on the home front during a war. Serious terrorist attacks have often been thwarted not by police or Special Forces but by an observant security guard on the ground.

In order to act effectively the relationship between private security companies and the government has had to become very open and very mutually inclusive. Private security companies are informed by police intelligence briefs of potential threats, all private security training is government regulated, government emergency and natural disaster plans are designed to factor in the private companies and their employees. A good example can be the recent Homeland Security drill held in Israel where the entire country underwent a simulated ballistic missile attack. Private security guards evacuated civilians from public areas, coordinated rescue services and police forces as well as worked under them when the situation called for it.

Cooperation between private security companies and government security entities can be a great asset to the function of both as well as being able to provide better protection for human life which is essentially the greatest goal for all to strive towards.

Governments and private security companies in other countries should be encouraged to enter such a beneficial relationship and do away with much of the antagonism and perceived competition that exists between them. As we experienced here the correct balance of roles is a result of much trial and error but a commitment by both sides will ensure a better living environment for all and a more effective counter to those who choose to threaten the tranquillity of that environment.

This analysis was carried out by Mr. Mirza David, Founder and CEO of the International Security Academy - Israel, which provides solutions for domestic security related issues and Shane Goodson, an International Security Academy coordinator.
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