"Regrettably, the availability of technology, which is creating a revolution in the global economy, also creates many opportunities for global terrorism. Available technology enables 21st century terrorism to be intercontinental and cross countries' borders and be much more global," said Israel Security Authority director Yuval Diskin at the First Israel Homeland Security International Conference in Tel Aviv.
Diskin discussed technology developments of the past decade, paralleling the strengthening of the global terrorist threat. "Internet technologies available to everyone provide terrorists with high quality information. For example, Google Earth, Internet cameras all over the world, and iPhone applications provide very high quality information and more. People enter chat rooms at certain websites, undergo brainwashing by al Qaida activists, and receive instructions on how to deal even with organizations like the one I head, the Israel Security Agency. Later, they receive instructions for carrying out terrorist attacks, building bombs, and so on."
Diskin continued, "It is possible to fight with great success against terrorist capabilities, and to win this war. But to win it, an integrated global concept is needed between countries and intelligence agencies to share information gathered. and global cooperation in developing homeland security technologies."
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon called on the countries participating in the conference to act together with Israel against global terrorism, by developing well-financed joint designated funds that would finance R&D for more effective fighting terrorist challenges. "As countries, we must develop these capabilities together in a focused and operative way," he said.
Conference participants came from all over the world, including homeland security ministers and officials from intelligence agencies. 40 Israeli companies, mostly in defense, presented their technological innovations for various purposes, including defense of sensitive installations, airports, and borders.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 1, 2010
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