At the very outset of Operation “Pillar of Defense,” the Ministry of Public Security switched from routine mode into emergency mode, operating 24/7. As part of its emergency preparedness, the Ministry has been operating its emergency control center, which is operational around the clock, seven days a week, with the goal of assisting field units in real time and ensuring the security of the public.

 Minister of Public Security Yitzhak Aharonovitch, today (Wednesday, 21 November 2012), visited the site of the terrorist attack on a bus in Tel Aviv, together with the Israel Police Inspector-General Yohanan Danino. The Minister, who had been visiting areas in the south, requests the public to continue going about its business and routine, but at the same time, to be vigilant and alert the police to any suspicious object or activity.

Representatives of the Ministry of Public Security are working in other government command centers and helping formulate a real-time situational assessment for the Minister, as well as operational policies for emergency agencies for each stage of the operation. The Minister directed the Israel Police, Israel Fire and Rescue Service and the Israel Prison Service to be sensitive to public sentiments and needs, especially in the south. At the same time, these agencies are to continue their preparations for reinforcing the southern district and additional areas. The Minister calls on the public to follow the directives of the police and the Home Front Command, and to avoid crowding around damage sites.

 At the site of the terrorist attack, the Minister said: “We are in the midst of a difficult campaign. The possibility of an attack on Tel Aviv was taken into consideration when we began the operation in Gaza. I call on everyone to be vigilant and careful. We must leave the majority of the work to the army and security forces – they will strike the terrorists.” The Minister estimated that in the next few hours it would be clear who exactly was behind today's attack