US's Napolitano to hear air security tips in Israel

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will use a visit to Israel this week to assess passenger vetting and other counter-terrorism measures at its Ben-Gurion Airport, government officials said today.

US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will use a visit to Israel this week to assess passenger vetting and other counter-terrorism measures at its Ben-Gurion Airport, government officials said on Sunday.

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Napolitano, whose tenure has been dogged by two attempted al Qaeda attacks on US-bound planes as well as traveller protests at intrusive airport pat-downs and screenings, was due to arrive in Israel by Monday for several low-key professional meetings.

"She'll be consulting with the Airport Authority, among other things," said an official briefed on the visit, which will include other countries.

Security at Ben-Gurion, Israel's main international airport, is considered to be among the most effective in world aviation, though civil liberties groups chafe at what they call a policy of singling out Arab passengers for extra scrutiny.