In the last few decades, Public Security has become an increasingly significant factor in Israel's overall national security. Phenomena such as violence, crime, anti-social behavior, organized crime and corruption, as well as the selling and using of drugs and alcohol, are today considered a very serious threat to the nation's foundations in general, and to Israeli society in particular. At the same time, the looming threats of terror and war make the public at large vulnerable.
Over the past three years, the Ministry has undertaken a number of efforts with the goal of strengthening the country's response capabilities to these dangers. These efforts include:
Expanding the operations of the "City Without Violence" program to 98 municipalities (and its expansion to an additional 18) Formulating and implementing a program to improve the personal security and services for non-Jewish citizens, which in the first stage includes operations in Nazareth, Tayibe and areas in the Negev
Establishing a unit designated to coordinate and enforce Land Laws in southern Israel
These and other endeavors will continue with greater vigor throughout 2013.
In addition, the Ministry of Public Security is currently in the midst of a long-term and complex process aimed at centralizing all the responsibilities and authorities in the field of public security in Israel, under one roof. Within this framework, the Anti-Drug and Alcohol Authority has moved to the jurisdiction of the Ministry, becoming a major factor in the "civil effort" – a range of activities carried out by various agencies and organizations within the Ministry that are responsible for the prevention of violence and delinquency.
Additionally, in March 2011, the Firearm Licensing Department was transferred from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Public Security. This move has already resulted in improved coordination with the Israel Police, in an effort to significantly reduce the number of unauthorized firearms in the possession of citizens, and increase the overall supervision and control over civilian firearms in Israel.
In early 2011, the responsibility over the Fire and Rescue Services was also transferred from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Public Security; and in July 2012, the Knesset passed the National Fire Authority law. These steps are all part of a process aimed at centralizing all emergency "first responders" under the authority of the Ministry of Public Security in order to improve the national response capabilities for emergency and rescue incidents in both routine and emergency situations.
Tags: Policy, Minister, Ministry, Minister of Public Security, 2013