Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed a comprehensive review of security protocols for international flights arriving in Israel following a recent incident. On Wednesday, a Flydubai aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after its Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to divert the plane, which was en route from the United Arab Emirates.
The Prime Minister's office announced that Prime Minister Netanyahu has tasked the National Security Council Director, Shmuel Ben Ezra, with selecting a suitable individual to conduct a comprehensive examination of all factors related to foreign civil aviation safety in Israel.
Israeli authorities issued a warning in 2025 regarding the Transportation Ministry's Radio that Transports, citing weaknesses in its oversight of foreign pilots. Separately, a report has surfaced alleging that Transportation Safety Director Avri Cohen holds a secondary position as a security officer for Israeli airlines at an international airport.
Left-wing lawmakers have requested the attorney general to launch an investigation into allegations that the identity of a copywriter, whose background has not been confirmed, may have been shared with Israel. This move comes amid claims made by the press. In response, Yair Lapid, a prominent figure in the Israeli opposition, has characterized the comprehensive examination promised by Prime Minister Netanyahu as a facade investigation, expressing skepticism about the government's intentions.
Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev, a close ally of Prime Minister Netanyahu, met with the United Arab Emirates' ambassador to Israel to discuss potential cooperation in an ongoing investigation. The meeting resulted in an agreement to continue collaborative efforts, enhance bilateral ties in the areas of aviation and transportation, and work jointly to guarantee the safety of passengers and flights.
Israeli security protocols prohibit pilots from countries with which Israel lacks diplomatic ties, thereby allowing nationals from countries like Oman to operate in the country, as seen in the case of the co-pilot who attempted to shoot down Flydubai's flight.
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