Israeli Aviation Security Director Under Scrutiny for Potential Conflict of Interest

Dvir Rubinstein, who serves as the Director of the Aviation Security Operations Center at the Ministry of Transport and is responsible for the security oversight of foreign airlines operating in Israel, has reportedly received payments from Flydubai for providing training services. The revelation, first reported by N12, raises questions about a potential conflict of interest between his public role and private activities.

Rubinstein, who is not a state employee, also runs a private company named "Dvir" and works as a senior lecturer in security at Sigma 005 College, which is managed by the police. His role at the Ministry of Transport involves approving all security clearances and permits for airlines wishing to fly to Israel. Simultaneously, he advises airlines worldwide that operate flights to Israel.

According to the report, Rubinstein traveled to the United Arab Emirates to personally train Emirates and Flydubai staff. He then returned to Israel to a position where he oversees the operations of these same airlines. This situation gains further significance in light of a recent attempted attack on a Flydubai flight, where a pilot allegedly stabbed another pilot and attempted to seize control of the cockpit.

During a lecture, Rubinstein himself had previously discussed lessons learned from aviation disasters, including the US requirement for pre-flight background checks on foreign pilots and advance submission of pilot lists.