The Privatization of Israeli Security by Shir Hever

Author:Shir Hever
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9781786801739
Publisher: Book Network Int'l Limited trading as NBN International (NBNi)

5.4 PRIVATIZATION THROUGH SECURITY COMPANIES

After the outbreak of the second Intifada in 2000, privatization of security in Israel was accelerated. The second Intifada profoundly affected the everyday life of Israelis. Although the death toll and devastation on the Palestinian side was far greater than on the Israeli side, daily life was disrupted for Israelis as well. The violent conflict and the many civilian casualties have deterred many civilians from visiting public spaces (Gronau, 2002:20–2, 31). Although the security of the population is a government responsibility and a public good, the atmosphere of fear during the Intifada created a sense of urgency in which the state monopoly over application of security was de-prioritized (ibid.:17–22), facilitating the transfer of responsibility for guarding the public space to the hands of private security companies. Security guards were placed in visible locations in order to create an immediate and localized sense of security. The Israeli government (through the police force) encouraged the creation of a sense of security through private companies, a policy which amounted to privatization by default of activities which previously fell under the responsibility of the police force.

Case Box 8:

Private Security Companies in the Public Sphere

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