MK Gilad Ardan, minister of public security, minister of information, and minister of strategic affairs, in his speech, talked about two challenges that the State of Israel has not yet internalized. Those challenges are the two new threats of lone wolf terrorism and the delegitimization of Israel or the BDS movement. Both threats rely upon the mobile phones and the internet.
Regarding the attacks by the lone wolf terrorists, Ardan claimed that the terror profiles are now different. Because of the internet, religious extremism has become more popular, and attacks can be done with basic weapons, such as a kitchen knife, a car, or by arson. Ardan argued that the response to this kind of threat should not be by the IDF, but rather by the Ministry of Internal Security, the police, and the firemen. Since Jerusalem is very much the heart of the dispute, efforts are being made to make Jerusalem the safest city. 1,000 police are being deployed in sensitive points. Advanced cameras have been set up. The police is monitoring social media, together with the Israel Security Services, profiling terrorists and arresting them before they even attack. The police have been strengthened. A new police force will be on the Temple Mount. Incitement will not be tolerated, not from the Murabitat nor from the Northern Faction of the Islamic Movement.
Ardan also noted that the other area of focus is among law-abiding Arab citizens in areas where there is little police presence. The Israeli government must provide police services to the Arab citizens, and Ardan has made many changes in this area.
The other challenge that Israel must internalize is Israel’s relationship with Jews in the United States and the challenge of delegitimization. While delegitimizing Israel is not a new situation, it is now much easier to do through the internet. Ardan claimed that Abu Mazen’s refusal to negotiate with Israel has contribution to Israel’s delegitimization and that Israel is finally internalizing this threat. He noted that Israel has begun to see the achievements of the counter campaign against delegitimization in terms of legislation in the United States and Europe, yet investments must be made in civil factors such as civil society organizations, to help spread the truth about Israel.