Israel's Aviation Security Flaws Highlighted After FlyDubai Incident

A state comptroller's report on aviation security, initially released in May 2024, has gained renewed urgency following an incident on a FlyDubai flight. The report, authored by State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman, called for a review of the existing security system and a clear definition of responsibilities for protecting flights to and from Israel. While much of the report was classified by a Knesset committee, its core recommendations remain public.

Engelman recommended that the National Security Council conduct a joint review with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, IDF, Shin Bet, and police. This review would examine the entire civil aviation security system, encompassing departing flights, Israeli airlines operating abroad, and foreign carriers flying into Israel. The report specifically suggested focusing on current government and cabinet decisions, noting that some aviation security regulations date back to the 1970s.

Upon completion, the National Security Council was tasked with presenting proposals to the Prime Minister and the cabinet regarding the allocation of responsibilities and necessary resources among different agencies. A separate recommendation urged the Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Finance to develop a comprehensive national aviation security policy, rather than addressing individual aspects in isolation.

The report's findings have resurfaced in the wake of an emergency on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an attempted "jihadist terror attack," stating that initial information suggests the assailant intended to crash the plane with its passengers. Katz credited the prevention of a catastrophe to the actions of Israeli passengers who entered the cockpit and helped neutralize the attacker.