Security System for the Knesset

MER devised and implemented a holistic protection solution for the Israeli parliament building.

Thousands of people invading the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 [credit: TapTheForwardAssist]
In January 2021, following the defeat of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, a large crowd invaded the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C.

The invaders, some of whom were armed, attempted to overturn the election results.

Several thousand invaders were able to enter the building, and some reached the Senate chamber and the chamber of the House of Representatives. Legislators had to hide or flee for the lives, including Vice President Mike Pence.

Five people died during this invasion, and many were injured, including 138 police officers. Monetary damages caused by the invaders exceeded $2.7 million.

The main lesson of the January 6 incident is that to fully protect democracy, governmental buildings must be properly secured.

MER’s Solution

Securing government buildings is one of MER Group’s main expertise.

Since 2009, MER has had the crucial responsibility of securing the building in Jerusalem that houses the Knesset, which is the national parliament.

Utilizing decades of experience in protection of critical national infrastructure, MER’s security experts conceived and implemented a holistic solution for the Knesset, customized to the unique requirements of this sensitive location.

MER’s solution includes selection and integration of surveillance technologies, training of staff and ongoing support and maintenance.

Surveillance technologies implemented by MER in the Knesset include:

  • More than 500 CCTV cameras
  • IP cameras
  • Video Motion Detection (VMD) cameras that analyzes images
  • Radars
  • Electronic perimeter fence with an intrusion detection system
  • Devices for screening people, bags and cars
  • Card-based access control system for over 350 doors (to offices, data centers and other critical security areas​)
  • IP-based intercom system
  • License Plate Recognition (LPR) system
  • Alarm system that notifies on intrusions
Credit: James Emery

Smart Command & Control

In addition, MER integrated in the Knesset its innovative command & control platform, Smart-M.

By integrating sensory outputs and other types of data from various sources from inside the building and outside it, Smart-M functions as the heart of the Knesset’s command & control center, providing complete visibility and enabling fast and efficient response in any scenario.

Smart-M, which was developed in-house at MER’s innovation lab, has been operational for over 20 years and is constantly updated in correlation with advancing technologies.