[Labyrinthos]

Federal authorities knew of such possibilities since 1995, when they found such plans on Khalid Mohammed.

Anything is possible, but given the history of hijackings and terrorism, the probabilities were slight.

Israel manages far higher security without using stupid and rigid body search rules.

That may or may not be true. I do know, however, that travelers through Israeli airports can take hours to clear security because of the invasive verbal interrogations. Can you imagine the reaction of the spoiled, whiney American travelers if they had to undego the same degree of interrogation when traveling from LGA to MIA?

[WOSG]

"travelers through Israeli airports can take hours to clear security because of the invasive verbal interrogations. "

I've been through it half a dozen times myself and I can tell you from first-hand experience, it is far MORE EFFECTIVE and LESS ANNOYING than the US TSA blundering.
It only takes hours if you dont have good explanations for why you are there (as a businessman, I usually have ecidence and a 'pattern' that makes sense for them.)

It's not 'invasive' to be asked what your business is or why you are travelling. it doesnt take hours. And the point is, the Israelis will *profile* who is doing what. They are out to catch *terrorists*, not nail clippers.