Security Lapses Exposed on Israeli Flights Amidst Iranian Threats

A security loophole in Israeli aviation has been revealed following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight. Security officials claim that passengers may be flying under an Israeli brand without the full security coverage provided by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). The issue arises as Israeli airlines increasingly lease foreign aircraft, often from Eastern European or third-world countries, to meet growing demand and expand routes. These leased flights are marketed and registered as services of the Israeli airline, even when operated by foreign carriers.

For instance, passengers on an El Al flight from Athens to Israel last Wednesday discovered their flight was operated by Air Electra, a Bulgarian company. Despite checking in at El Al counters, the airline's security personnel in Athens reportedly did not conduct standard security interviews, such as asking if passengers packed their own bags or if they were given anything to carry. The only security check was the standard X-ray screening of carry-on luggage, common for all flights departing Athens.

A Shin Bet official explained that the decision not to implement full Israeli security protocols on these leased flights stems from several factors. Foreign leasing companies are reportedly unwilling to allow Shin Bet security equipment on their aircraft. Furthermore, the Shin Bet's mandate is limited to flights operated entirely by Israeli companies, and the ground security inspection protocol is the responsibility of local, non-Shin Bet affiliated teams.

This situation means that passengers on flights like the El Al example, believing they were flying with full Israeli security, were allegedly traveling on Eastern European aircraft without the complete Israeli security umbrella. The Ministry of Transport responded by stating that security levels for leased foreign aircraft are determined by the government in coordination with security agencies and have not been relaxed. They emphasized that while specific security arrangements are not publicly disclosed, the ministry operates according to security directives to ensure maximum security and passenger safety.