EILAT - Is Eilat's airport prone to a terror attack? Several travelers who had recently flown from Eilat to the north told Ynet the southernmost city's airport security procedures are lacking.
"The security guards look at you, but they do not check your handbag when you walk in," one traveler said.
The airport's security regulations are based on the "peripheral security method," whereby the guards "keep an eye" on the crowd but do not check each person individually.
Only those who appear suspicious are inspected. However, reality has proven that hostile people do not always appear as such, and several of terror attacks have been carried out because people who seemed innocent turned out to be anything but.
A government security official was amazed to hear of the security procedures at Eilat's airport, saying that in all the airports he is familiar with, all baggage items are inspected.
An Israel Airports Authority employee said the reason there are no individual baggage inspections is that the airport wants to prevent the formation of long queues.
"You cannot check everyone who enters the airport, because sometimes three flights arrive or depart simultaneously with hundreds of passengers. If every passenger would be examined, the line would reach the street," he said.
"The guards question the passengers, and those who look suspicious are inspected from head to toe, handbags included."
The Israel Airports Authority said in response, "The security check at Eilat's airport is carried by Arkia Airlines, in accordance with guidelines presented by the authorized government agencies."
