ABSTRACT
The issue of terrorism in Israel seems to have accompanied, part and parcel, the creation of the Israel state, which occurred on May 14, 1948. The purpose of mentioning the conflict here is simply to relay to the reader why it is the Israel has felt threatened and under siege since the onset of its existence in May 1948. This chapter discusses this constant state of being at war and under siege is reflected in the fact that Israel passed its major anti-terrorism law, the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance in 1948, the same year as its founding. Importantly to subsequent legislation dealing with anti-terrorism measures and homeland security, both the Basic Law on Freedom of Occupation and the Basic Law on Human Dignity and Liberty contain limitation clause. Israel employs centralized national police force, which is significantly augmented by its military forces. Israel utilizes its military to arrest militants, secure certain borders to occupied areas, and tries terrorists in military courts.
