Attempted Flydubai Hijacking Prompts Security Overhaul Call

Following an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight, former IDF Spokesperson Avi Benayahu has called for Israel to overhaul its aviation security system. In a column for Maariv, Benayahu argued that security measures, which have historically focused on passengers and their luggage, must now extend to airline employees, including pilots and ground staff. He believes this will require significant financial investment, potentially passed on to passengers, and could lead to flight schedule changes and delays, but stressed that "there is no other choice and there will not be."

Benayahu also urged enhanced intelligence and security cooperation between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, even suggesting joint security for UAE airline flights given their importance to Israeli travel. He praised the actions of the Flydubai pilot involved in the incident, stating Israel should express gratitude and ensure the pilot's protection.

The article also delves into Israeli domestic politics, with Benayahu linking security warnings to the upcoming elections and criticizing the politicization of security issues. He acknowledged ongoing threats from Israel's adversaries, including potential Iranian retaliation, border attacks, and escalation in Judea and Samaria, emphasizing the need for vigilance independent of political interests, calling the subordination of security to politics a "catastrophe."

Recalling a statement by former IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi to US Admiral Mike Mullen about avoiding war during election months, Benayahu also addressed the leadership's responsibility for the October 7th events. He proposed public polygraph tests for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to clarify discrepancies in their accounts of pre-attack warnings.

Finally, Benayahu outlined desired qualities for a future prime minister, including honesty, transparency, responsibility, loyalty, humility, unity, and the ability to admit mistakes.