“During my two visits to Israel, one thing that became immediately and abundantly clear is that Israeli homeland security efforts permeate virtually every aspect of society and are considered as a forethought – not an afterthought,” said Langevin, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology.  “I would suggest that building that preparedness and that resilience into our American framework is perhaps the most important lesson that we in the United States can learn from Israel.” 

During the discussion, Langevin highlighted several ways the Untied States and Israel are addressing technological homeland security gaps. Israeli Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Rani Falk, Director General, Ministry of Public Security joined him on the panel, which was moderated by David Cohen, a Washington attorney and former senior staffer at AIPAC. 

“Cooperation between Israel and the United States has been exceptional since the tragedy of September 11th made it clear that terrorists intend to make America – like Israel – a frontline in their war against freedom, tolerance and democracy,” said Langevin. “Israeli security experts have come to the U.S. to serve as consultants in airport security.  Government officials have shared strategies, technologies and best practices.  American law enforcement representatives have traveled to Israel to gain insight into homeland security organization and training, while Americans have trained Israelis in our own procedures.”

In February, the Department of Homeland Security and the Israeli Ministry of Public Security entered into a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) that set a series of goals and terms for collaborating on security matters. The joint understanding incorporates a partnership on flight security, including passenger and cargo inspection, as well as information-sharing on emergency planning, response, recovery and damage control. 

The MOU also encompasses sharing of research and development progress in the field of explosives detection. In addition, Israel and the US will share information about steps taken to neutralize, respond to and reduce terror and criminal activities in specific fields and will also hold joint training and staff exchanges. 

Also in February, the House passed the Promoting Antiterrorism through Technology and Science Act, also known as the PACTS Act, of which Langevin was an original co-sponsor.  The PACTS Act embraces the concept of bilateral cooperation by establishing a capability and an office to promote cooperation between entities of the United States and its allies in the global war on terrorism.

The office – housed in the Department of Homeland Security – will take on cooperative endeavors focused on the research, development, and commercialization of high-priority anti-terrorism technologies that can help us prevent and respond to attacks or disasters and meet the homeland security needs of federal, state and local governments.  These efforts will build upon the MOU to address remaining technology gaps.

“These two initiatives are absolutely vital for winning the war on terrorism,” said Langevin. “Many other issues are ripe for collaboration too, including agriculture protection, chemical and biological protection, passenger screening, and our efforts to harden and secure our public transit systems.”

Langevin also told his audience that innovative technologies must be partnered with information sharing and reliable intelligence.

“Good, reliable intelligence is one of the most robust tools at our disposal, and I am eager this year to delve more deeply into that area as a new member of the House Intelligence Committee,” continued Langevin. 

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