UAE Halts Approval for Israeli Rescue Flights from Dubai Amid Security Dispute

The United Arab Emirates has revoked its approval for Israeli rescue flights intended to bring stranded Israelis home from Dubai, just before they were scheduled to depart. The decision came after extensive preparations, including the arrival of Shin Bet teams in Dubai to set up security screening equipment and finalize arrangements for the flights. These flights were meant to repatriate Israelis who became stuck in the UAE following the suspension of flights to Israel.

The halt stems from a disagreement over Israeli security demands. According to an informed source, the Shin Bet is seeking to expand the security arrangements beyond the temporary framework initially agreed upon for these specific rescue flights. "The Shin Bet is trying to expand the scope and make the temporary arrangement permanent, and the Emiratis are not agreeing," the source stated. The initial approvals granted by the UAE for the security measures in Dubai were explicitly defined as temporary, solely for the purpose of facilitating the rescue operations.

Despite this setback, aviation industry sources believe the flights are not definitively canceled and that negotiations between the parties are ongoing. There is an expectation that an understanding could be reached overnight, potentially allowing the flights to proceed as planned or with minor schedule adjustments. Meanwhile, Israelis in Dubai awaiting their return are advised to wait for official announcements regarding ticket sales and flight schedules. The operation of the rescue flights from Dubai remains uncertain until the security dispute is resolved.