IDF report details tracking options for Israel, world

For digital surveillance and contact tracing of coronavirus patients to be successful in a democratic society, there needs to be an appropriate balance between developing effective technology, ensuring its widespread dissemination and maintaining public confidence, according to a new report by the IDF Intelligence Corps.

“Most democratic societies thus far prefer preserving privacy rights over using invasive, state-run technology,” the report said. “As such, Western countries are struggling to access the information needed to carry out epidemiological investigations with wide-scale efficiency.”

The Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center, which is overseen by the IDF Intelligence Corps in cooperation with the Health Ministry, released the report on Tuesday. It reviews technology opportunities for tracking coronavirus patients and stopping the infection chain.

It comes the day after the coronavirus cabinet hit an impasse over whether to reinstate Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) surveillance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for assistance from the security agency, but the Shin Bet said it does not want to be involved unless “there is no alternative solution.”

The topic of Shin Bet surveillance is expected to be addressed at the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday.

Epidemiological investigations have been essential for curtailing the spread of the virus internationally.

The report highlights the opportunity for users to download an app that lets

have some 1,000 coronavirus patients by early July, according to a report by the IDF Intelligence Corps.

Among the other cities being discussed for closure is Bat Yam, which has 179 sick people.

Other cities with a high rate of infection are Bnei Brak (581 cases) and Tel Aviv (474).

Currently, there are infected people in 75 cities across Israel, according