Gadi Eisenkot Slams Transport Minister Miri Regev Over Flydubai Incident

Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the National Unity Party, has strongly criticized Transport Minister Miri Regev following a near-disaster on a Flydubai flight from the UAE to Israel. The incident involved a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack the plane, but was thwarted by the captain and Israeli passengers. Eisenkot described the event as a "major failure and a great lapse," suggesting that a simple look at the co-pilot's social media would have revealed his extremist views.

Eisenkot placed blame on the Ministry of Transport, stating that it failed to conduct proper checks on pilots entering Israel. He asserted that Regev is "utterly unsuitable for the role" and has "failed miserably." He further criticized her appointments of individuals from the Likud party to her staff, characterizing it as nepotism that has resulted in a weak professional echelon loyal to the minister and party, rather than the state.

Regev, in turn, has attempted to shift responsibility to the security establishment. The incident, which occurred nearly a week ago, is being investigated for significant security oversights that could have led to a catastrophe comparable to the 9/11 attacks. Eisenkot argued that this mediocrity and irresponsibility stem from the appointment of unqualified ministers and a weak professional tier.