Security Services Criticize Transport Ministry Over Dubai Flight Incident

Security officials are increasing their criticism of the Security Department within the Ministry of Transport following the hijacking and crash of a Flydubai aircraft. Security sources are calling for a comprehensive internal review, stating that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) had previously warned of security issues at airports in the United Arab Emirates. While the head of the Shin Bet decided to halt Israeli flights to the UAE, the Ministry of Transport reportedly ignored these warnings and allowed operations to continue. According to a security official, the Shin Bet is responsible for all security aspects of Israeli airlines and maintains strict standards, including rigorous screening for all crew members on chartered foreign flights. However, it is alleged that the Ministry of Transport gravely permitted pilots from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel to fly Flydubai planes, leading to a severe security lapse that violated all protocols. Despite the crisis, security agencies expressed satisfaction with the firm stance taken with the UAE, which has now agreed to Israeli security demands. Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are set to resume in the coming days, and the Shin Bet will reopen its local security stations. Meanwhile, an investigation into the incident's circumstances is ongoing. A special Mossad team, assisted by Shin Bet investigators, is leading the Israeli side of the inquiry in coordination with UAE authorities. It is anticipated that the Emiratis will soon allow Israeli investigators access to the country. As part of the investigation, teams are expected to reconstruct the pilot's actions in the 24 hours preceding the incident using Dubai's advanced security camera systems, interview family and acquaintances, and analyze his digital and online activity. The primary assessment within the security establishment currently remains that the perpetrator pilot acted as a 'lone wolf'.