26. Private Security Contractor
Bethlehem, West Bank - Palestine
2016
Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag paper
30 x 42 cm
$300
5/5 edition (+ AP)
An Israeli security guard attempts to remove an elderly Palestinian man from one section of Checkpoint 300. Shortly after this photo was taken the guard threatened to pepper spray the man but was distracted when he noticed me taking photos. The guard then followed me into the Bethlehem side of the Separation barrier and attempted to take my camera and memory card. He was unsuccessful.
The Israeli government has outsourced much of the security at checkpoints between Israel and the Palestinian territories to private Israeli security companies. In this way, the Israeli government has outsourced some occupation of the territories but has also released some of its direct accountability regarding treatment of Palestinians by security staff.
Soldiers from the Israeli Defence Force must still check ID papers and carry their rifles but direct security is performed by these private security contractors. They are always much better armed and armoured than Israeli soldiers.