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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

IDF to use closed circuit cameras to prevent terrorism

The IDF is spending NIS 500,000 (approximately $135,000) to install 100 roadside cameras at problematic intersections in Judea and Samaria. The goal is to prevent terror attacks.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday that the IDF intends to install dozens of security cameras which will monitor highways in Judea and Samaria 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cameras will supply live feeds to IDF command centers set up in the divisions deployed in the area. Should any threat be detected, the nearest force will be alerted.

According to the IDF, highways which are already monitored in this manner have proven to be less prone to terror attacks.

...

A source at GOC Central Command told Yedioth Ahronoth: “We have mapped out the entire area and especially known friction points. Terrorists avert places with security cameras – they choose not to take the risk. This has deterrence value.”

Most of the cameras will be disguised and set up on high poles. Areas such as the Gush Etzion and Tapuach junctions will be among the first to be hooked up to the new system. The area’s main highway, Highway 60, which runs from south to north and has also been the scene of terror attacks, will be among those roads secured by cameras.

The IDF also plans to install cameras on roads where previous terror attacks have taken place, as well as in zones which are hard to observe, and near particularly hostile Arab villages.
I'm a bit skeptical about this. For the cameras to truly be effective, there would have to be enough time between when the terrorists start to set up and when the IDF can get there. I wonder how fast the IDF can get there, and whether the prospect of being arrested is really going to be enough of a deterrent.

I also wonder whether the terrorists can be caught if they hide alongside the highway and aren't in cars.

Finally, I wonder whether this will just lead to more drive-by shootings (which could cause less casualties) rather than ambushes at key intersections.

Ultimately, there are better answers. Unfortunately, the government won't risk the wrath of Obama by considering them.

4 Comments:

At 8:58 PM, Blogger NormanF said...

Carl -

Try the wrath of Israel's leftist Supreme Court.

Its justices don't drive on those roads. So if Jews get murdered because Palestinian needs trumps the Jewish right to life, too bad.

The Israeli government could overrule Comrade Dorit Beinisch and her colleagues but won't.

 
At 9:02 PM, Blogger Sunlight said...

Hopefully, there is an international team working on this topic as I've read that India is running this kind of thing, as is the U.S. at spots along the southern border. They should work together to evaluate existing technologies and apply or develop new ones.

OT Anyone know about this Rabbi Steinsaltz? This was linked on an ad over at Debka. Looks like participation across the board...

http://www.theglobalday.com/

 
At 9:09 PM, Blogger Alexander Maccabee said...

A small price to pay for the privilege of living with the Arabs.
:(

 
At 11:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sunlight, the description of Rabbi Steinzaltz on that website is fairly accurate.

I would say that some of his Jewish philosophic opinions are contested by others.

But he is overall a genius, brilliant Talmudist and a wonderful person.

 

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