Following the success of the Mabat 2000 camera surveillance program in the Old City of the capital, the decision has been made to add additional cameras in problematic areas of Jerusalem, predominately Arab areas. The Mabat 2000 program refers to the hundreds of surveillance cameras operating in the Old City, monitored 24/7 in a central command post and often used to prevent a crime or attack or to apprehend a wanted suspect. The cameras provide live real-time feed of the areas covered, 95% of the Old City.

Jerusalem police will be expanding the camera program and in the future there will also be cameras transmitting to the central command station from the Jerusalem light rail and cameras that will be incorporated into traffic signals.

An additional 193 cameras are going to be added to the hundreds operating today, and the live feed from the cameras will be broadcast to the command center in Jerusalem police headquarters. New cameras will be added to the eastern areas of the capital including Issawiya, Wadi Joz, and Silwan, frequent venues of clashes between residents and security forces.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)