Israel's Aviation Security Gaps on Leased Foreign Aircraft Revealed

Concerns are mounting over potential security vulnerabilities in Israeli aviation, particularly concerning leased foreign aircraft operating under Israeli airline flags. While Israeli carriers are known for robust security measures, including armed undercover personnel and advanced systems, a report by Maariv suggests that exceptions are emerging, allegedly with the Transportation Ministry's involvement.

According to security sources, the level of security for foreign flights arriving in Israel is determined by the head of security at the Transportation Ministry. This involves setting requirements for foreign airlines to land or depart from Israel, including passenger checks, baggage screening, and crew vetting. Passport details of passengers are also submitted for review by Israeli intelligence systems.

However, to meet growing passenger demand and expand operations, Israeli airlines are increasingly leasing aircraft from countries like Cambodia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. These flights are then marketed and registered as their own. A recent example involved El Al flight 541 from Athens to Israel, operated by the Bulgarian airline Air Electra. Passengers reported that El Al ground staff in Athens did not conduct standard security interviews or thorough hand-luggage checks, with the only screening occurring at Athens airport's general baggage x-ray zone.

A Shin Bet representative explained that additional checks are not performed on leased flights because foreign companies are reluctant to install Shin Bet security equipment, and the agency primarily operates on flights fully operated by Israeli airlines. Furthermore, ground security protocols are managed by local teams not affiliated with the Shin Bet. This arrangement, security sources claim, allows airlines and the state to save significant costs, despite passengers paying for what they believe is full Israeli security coverage.

The Transportation Ministry has refuted these claims, stating that no security compromises have been made on leased foreign aircraft operating under Israeli flight numbers. They assert that security levels are determined by the government in coordination with security agencies and that specific measures are not publicly disclosed. The ministry emphasized its commitment to maximum safety standards for all Israeli aviation operations.