Civilian Security: Israel's "Golden Egg"

A delegation of managers of some of the largest airports in the US is on its way to Israel to learn the latest developments in airport security.



Directors of airports in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Oakland and nine others are scheduled to arrive in Israel on May 6 as guests of the Foreign Ministry and the Export Institute.



The delegation will visit Israel's upgraded international airport known as Natbag [Ben Gurion International Airport] 2000, as well as Israel Police control installations, and more. The Americans will meet with security experts responsible for the sites.

Meetings will also be held with the heads of 30 Israeli companies providing security solutions. It is hoped and expected that the meetings will lead to the signing of contracts with the Americans.



Export Institute Chairman David Artzi said that the export of civilian security systems is considered the "golden egg" of Israeli exports. In 2006, Artzi said, this sector grew by 20%, to $1 billion. This year it is expected to grow by another 20%, to $1.2 billion.