Israel Relies on Foreign Airlines' Security Declarations, Not Own Checks

Israel does not independently vet pilots and crew of foreign airlines flying into the country, instead relying on company declarations and the authorities of the country of origin, according to Ministry of Transportation security officials. This approach was revealed following an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight (FZ1073). "We are not an intelligence agency," officials stated, explaining that the security department conducts security assessments of foreign aircraft entering Israel by liaising with the airline and the country of departure. This process involves requesting a declaration from the airline that all pilots have undergone security background checks, with the company then providing confirmation that all crew members have been vetted and approved. Israel does not station security personnel abroad for this purpose, depending instead on the relevant authority in the departure country.

Ministry officials acknowledged that this reliance is unavoidable given the necessity of maintaining foreign air travel to Israel, stating "there is no 100% certainty." The current procedure does not involve pre-screening crew names or specifically addressing scenarios like a pilot attempting an attack. Separately, Transportation Minister Miri Regev has instructed the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate whether the United Arab Emirates violated the 2020 aviation agreement.

Flydubai reportedly suspended its flights to Israel at the request of UAE authorities pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident. The goal is to determine if the perpetrator was an isolated individual or if other pilots with similar intentions are employed by the company, and to ensure no further security breaches exist. A fundamental principle in civil aviation holds the country of departure responsible for the aircraft's security. The Israeli cabinet, on the recommendation of the Transportation Minister and the Shin Bet, adopted a similar resolution: Flydubai will not fly to Israel until the incident is fully understood and further vulnerabilities are addressed. A decision on the airline's return to service on the route will be made after the investigation in the Emirates concludes.