New technologies will not completely replace the human sensors in the security apparatus that secures Ben-Gurion international airport in Tel-Aviv.
This is in spite of some very advanced technological tools that have been developed recently.
Many efforts are being made to streamline the security process and according to plans, high-end technology will be implemented in the airport in coming years.
This will enable the use of human sensors, known here as the profile system, on fewer passengers, though it will still be used.
Security for Israeli aviation is unique. Circumstances lead to unique solutions, most of them highly classified. When the danger is constant and very real the result is inventions that lower it to a "reasonable" level.
That happens on a daily basis in the Israeli defence industry and it happens in the other security organisations.
Recently, one such development affected security measures at Ben-Gurion. The system at this airport is different from any other in the world. Most of the ingredients of this huge system are under wraps, but from time to time something is presented, even if partially.
The development I refer to is the decision to allow passengers flying from Ben-Gurion to the US to carry liquids bought in the airport without the security limitations that apply elsewhere, mainly on US-bound flights.
The decision could be made thanks to the deployment of a unique security system that screens the liquids supplied to the duty free shops in the airport.
After they are cleared by the new system, the liquids will be sold to passengers and sealed in bags, in accordance with American security standards.
More automated systems are planned for Ben-Gurion, aimed at using the profile system only when automation will not be enough.
But as time passes, it is becoming very clear that in spite of all high-end technology, the human instincts of trained security personnel will continue to be very important.
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