State Comptroller Warns of Aviation Security Lapses Following Dubai Flight Incident

State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman has issued a dramatic warning regarding significant deficiencies in Israel's aviation security, following an attempted attack on a FlyDubai flight originating from Dubai. In May 2024, the Comptroller published a report examining civil international aviation security to and from Israel. While key aspects of the report are classified by the Knesset's State Audit Committee, the Comptroller's concluding recommendation is noteworthy. He advised the National Insurance Institute (NII), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Finance, Israel Airports Authority, Shin Bet, and the police, to conduct a comprehensive review of all facets of civil international aviation security in Israel. This review should encompass outgoing flights, Israeli aviation abroad, and foreign inbound aviation, as well as assess the relevance of government and cabinet decisions on the matter, some dating back to the 1970s.

Furthermore, Engelman recommended that the NII propose to the Prime Minister and the security cabinet how to regulate responsibility and allocate resources for aviation security to ensure a holistic approach. He also urged the Prime Minister, the Minister of Transportation, and the Minister of Finance to address the issue and formulate a comprehensive aviation security policy.

Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on the concerning security incident, describing the FlyDubai event as an attempted jihadist attack. He credited the bravery of several Israeli passengers who stormed the cockpit, subdued the attacker, and regained control of the aircraft, handing it back to the flight crew. Katz stated that initial information suggests the attacker's sole intention was to crash the plane with all its passengers.