Analysis: This time a credit card, next time a bomb?

With enemies like Hamas and Iran, Kirya security breach cause for concern.

By YAAKOV KATZ
Ashkenazi sad oy 248.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
Ashkenazi sad oy 248.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
Approximately once a year, the media breaks a story about cracks in security at the Kirya military headquarters. Last year, a soldier was caught selling passes into the base to the highest bidder. The year before that, an internal IDF probe discovered that it was fairly simple to smuggle a car bomb into the key military base in the heart of Tel Aviv. Since then, security has been tightened, new cameras have been installed and guards are under strict orders not to allow anyone inside the base without proper clearance and authorization. The story that broke over the weekend, though, regarding the security guard who stole Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi's credit card, raises new questions about the level of security within what is supposed to be one of the most secure offices in the country. News of the security breach at the Kirya comes after three months of negative headlines about abuse in the IDF Armored Corps, generals caught lying about car accidents, and two training accidents - not to mention the countless reports by NGOs about alleged Israeli war crimes during Operation Cast Lead. One officer lamented over the weekend the difficulty the IDF would face if it decided to conduct background checks for all soldiers. "Do we need guards for the guards now?" the officer asked. The short answer is yes, particularly when it comes to soldiers who work in sensitive positions and have access, like the soldier who stole Ashkenazi's credit card, to sensitive bases and offices. With enemies like Hizbullah, Hamas and Iran - all likely to jump at the opportunity to assassinate a senior military officer - the Kirya security breach cannot be underestimated. This time it was a soldier stealing a credit card. Next time, it could be a soldier planting a bomb.