Former Transportation DG Blasts Minister Regev Over FlyDubai Security Failures

Former Director-General of the Ministry of Transportation, Keren Turner, has sharply criticized current Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, accusing her of misrepresenting responsibility for security lapses concerning foreign airlines, specifically FlyDubai. Regev had stated in an interview that security for foreign companies falls under the purview of intelligence agencies like the Mossad and Shin Bet. Turner countered on social media, asserting that Regev herself is responsible for the security of foreign airlines, citing government decisions and the law.

Turner also pointed to a classified State Comptroller's report from May 2024, which she claims highlighted deficiencies in the Ministry of Transportation's security department during Regev's tenure, and that Regev chose to maintain responsibility for the department. Regev, in turn, accused Turner of being on a "political campaign" and suggested Turner should remain silent, implying security personnel have much to say about her performance as director-general. Regev maintained that intelligence agencies determine threat levels and advise on travel, while the Ministry of Transportation is responsible for implementing security measures.

Turner further alleged that the Ministry of Transportation is plagued by "jobs and appointments of cronies" and vowed to rectify this. She also stated that the Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure in the Ministry of Transportation is not responsible for aviation matters. The exchange comes after an incident where an Israeli airline, El Al, was reportedly prevented from flying to Dubai due to security concerns, though Regev clarified that no security body had prohibited Israelis from flying to Dubai on foreign carriers. Turner concluded by urging that the current government, in power since October 7th, should not cover up further failures.