London's Heathrow Looks to Israel for Airport Security

News Staff : May 24, 2016
JNS.org

Proposed protocols include the so-called "ring of steel" initiative, in which undercover security personnel are scattered throughout the airport and are reinforced by custodial and maintenance staffers.

(London, England)—[JNS.org] Due to increased warnings of potential Islamic State terror attacks in Europe, officials at London's Heathrow Airport are considering implementing more stringent security protocols similar to those employed at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. (Photo: Heathrow Airport/Wikimedia Commons/via JNS.org)

The proposed protocols include the so-called "ring of steel" initiative, in which undercover security personnel are scattered throughout the airport and are reinforced by custodial and maintenance staffers. Heathrow would also implement increased screening of baggage handlers, the British newspaper The Times reported Sunday.

According to The Times, a senior Israeli intelligence official warned that European airports are strong targets for terror attacks, and that Islamic State may conduct more attacks like March's Brussels airport bombing and last year's bombing of a Russian plane in Egypt.

Additionally, a former McDonald's employee who was trained by al-Qaeda was revealed to have been planning a suicide attack against Israeli and American passengers at Heathrow.

"We know the level of security at every airport in the world," the Israeli official said. "There's a lot to improve in many airports in Europe."

Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.