Foreign Policy Blogs

Israeli Security Arrives In D.C.

Travelers to our nation’s capital from Israel might feel a little more at home in the coming days, as Metro (the subway system) administrators are preparing to implement a new program that includes random bag checks when passengers enter a station.

In Israel, security guards outside malls, office buildings, stores and restaurants search bags of people entering the facilities. The security guards hold metal detectors and often pat-down individuals to search for a weapon.

The new Metro security system, which are not as stringent as the Israeli protocols, will involve specially trained K-9 units and explosive detection devices. Not every passenger will be screened, but any individuals refusing a search will be barred from entering the station. The program has not been declared temporary, therefore this security scheme could become a permanent fixture and foreshadow further convergence of Israeli and U.S. security procedures.

 

Author

Ben Moscovitch

Ben Moscovitch is a Washington D.C.-based political reporter and has covered Congress, homeland security, and health care. He completed an intensive two-year Master's in Middle Eastern History program at Tel Aviv University, where he wrote his thesis on the roots of Palestinian democratic reforms. Ben graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in English Literature. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. Twitter follow: @benmoscovitch

Areas of Focus:
Middle East; Israel-Palestine; Politics

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