I'm surprised this hasn't already happened -- more than once.
----
Send treats to the troops...
Great because you did it!
www.AnySoldier.com
Posted on 04/04/2008 12:06:21 AM PDT by maquiladora
The security measures on aircraft belonging to Israeli airlines and around them during takeoffs and arrivals abroad have been significantly boosted over the past few days for fear that Hizbullah would act on its promise to avenge the February assassination of its top commander Imad Mugniyah.
The number of armed security guards on some of the flights to several destinations has been increased, as was the number of guards surrounding the plane after the landing and before the takeoff.
"The threat is extremely concrete, and there is no choice but to do everything possible," a source involved in aviation security said Thursday.
Armed security guards have been stationed on El Al, Arkia and Israir aircraft for many years now. The number of guards is determined by the Shin Bet's protection unit according to the potential level of risk on any flight line. The number may change on a daily basis according to updated intelligence information.
Ever since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the United States, all airlines have been compelled to install bullet-proof cockpit doors on passenger flights. In the Israeli airlines the cockpit door had been locked a long time before these decisions were made, but new doors were installed on all Israeli planes according to the new standard.
Simultaneously, the alert level of local security forces has been raised in many airports where El Al planes land. Yedioth Ahronoth has learned that due to concrete warnings, special security measures have been taken in several airports in Europe and the Far East, including sending helicopters to escort the Israeli aircraft during takeoffs and landings.
"We usually deliver the intelligence information, and the authorities respond accordingly. We are fully coordinated with the authorities in each country, and receive full cooperation," a source involved in aviation security noted.
The main fear is a missile attack on an Israeli passenger flight as the plane travels on the runway or takes off, heavy, slow and filled with petrol. Due to this fear, El Al has stopped flying to destinations like Turkey. In Cairo, Bangkok and other destinations, extreme security measures are taken to protect the planes.
Despite all the plans, not one Israeli aircraft has been fortified with a missile-interception system, which has yet to be licensed by leading aviation bodies. The airlines are reluctant to install such a system, as it limits the plane's fuelling.
Due to the absence of such a system, airports are taking different measures defined as problematic. Most of these measures are concealed, but are aimed at locating missile launching cells on the runways.
In light of the warnings, a number of businesspeople have changed their flight plans to destinations defined as problematic.
"I was scheduled to fly to Cyprus to meet with a partner of mine. I asked him to meet me in Athens instead. We must not provoke fate," an Israeli businessman said Thursday.
About a month ago, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the defense establishment feared that terrorists would take control of a passenger flight at the last stage of its arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport. Foreign airlines were ordered to turn on the lights instructing the passengers to remain seated and buckled up about 250 kilometers (155.25 miles) before Israel's coastline.
"Someone is very worried about something," a source in the aviation industry concluded.
Ping.
I’m embarrassed to show my ignorance, but I’d been told that El Al plans were already equipped with missile deflectors. Are the interception systems that have yet to be approved a step up technologically, or was my previous information just plane wrong (terrible pun semi-intended)? Anyone?
yep, just caught that
sounds like intel caught onto something very specific
ping
Shin Bet fears attack on Israeli plane...
clueless condi & jorge bush’s roadmap to peace!!!!
Send treats to the troops...
Great because you did it!
www.AnySoldier.com
bttt
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/posts-by:maquiladora/
Israeli warplanes violates Lebanese airspace
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1896257&Language=en
Posted on 04/02/2008 11:09:59 AM EDT by jhpigott
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1995497/posts
Iranian mortars negate southern Israel defenses
http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=15617
Posted on 04/02/2008 10:25:47 PM PDT by jhpigott
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1995904/posts
Israeli defense minister cancels Germany trip
allegedly due to tensions at Israeli border
Associated Pres
Posted on 04/03/2008 1:03:44 AM PDT by maquiladora
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1995924/posts
Tensions Build Between Israel and Syria
ABC News
Posted on 04/03/2008 3:11:08 PM PDT by maquiladora
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1996327/posts
War fears circulate in Israel
Israel Today
Posted on 04/03/2008 3:14:39 PM PDT by maquiladora
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1996331/posts
Middle East on alert for attacks
The Australian
Posted on 04/04/2008 6:38:49 AM PDT by maquiladora
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1996626/posts
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