Omani Pilot's Flight to Israel Raises Serious Security Questions

An incident involving an Omani co-pilot, Hamaam Al-Hamami, who allegedly attempted to hijack a Fly Dubai plane, has exposed significant security lapses regarding flights into Israel. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu acknowledged a "loophole" that allowed a citizen of a country without diplomatic ties to Israel to fly there, initially suspecting dual citizenship. However, investigations revealed Al-Hamami, who had been suspended by Oman Air in 2024 due to religious extremism and possession of "extremist materials," was not a dual citizen. He reportedly underwent radicalization in Syria and was also rejected by Royal Air Maroc before being hired by Fly Dubai.

Questions are being raised about how Israeli authorities were unaware of Al-Hamami's extremist leanings and suspension. While intelligence agencies from four Gulf states are investigating his motives, no links to terror organizations have been found, suggesting he may have acted alone. The Shin Bet, led by David Zini, had previously warned about insufficient security measures on flights from the Emirates, leading to disputes with Israeli airlines. However, Zini did not demand a halt to flights from the Emirates, as Fly Dubai is a foreign airline not under the Shin Bet's direct oversight.

Further scrutiny is directed at the lack of a blacklist for radicalized pilots and the screening processes of airlines. A 2023 law requires airlines to submit passenger and crew data to Israel for visa waiver agreements, but it's unclear if this adequately covers pilot background checks for security threats. The Ministry of Transport, while not responsible for intelligence gathering, has a role in the security assessment of foreign flights entering Israel.

This incident echoes concerns raised in a May 2024 State Comptroller report by Matanyahu Engelman, which examined international aviation security and recommended a comprehensive review of responsibilities and resources, particularly for incoming foreign flights. In light of the recent events, Members of Knesset Efrat Reiten, Ram Ben Barak, Hili Tropper, and Oded Forer have called for an urgent parliamentary committee discussion with the Shin Bet chief to review aviation security protocols and the events preceding the incident.