Israel to Decide on Flydubai Incident Aid Eligibility

Israel's Ministry of Defense will determine whether to recognize the attempted hijacking and deliberate crash of a Flydubai aircraft as an "act of hostility." Such a designation would enable affected passengers to receive assistance from the National Insurance Institute, known as "Bituah Leumi." The decision is pending the receipt of investigation data, according to a Calcalist report on October 5.

Bituah Leumi clarified that the authority to classify the incident rests with the Ministry of Defense. Only after the ministry's approval can the institute provide aid or monthly benefits to those impacted. The ministry stated it is in constant contact with Bituah Leumi's department for victims of hostile acts and will make its decision upon receiving relevant information from investigative bodies.

Past precedents suggest such recognition is likely. Israeli law covers victims of attacks abroad if they targeted Israel or the Jewish people. Similar status was granted to victims of the 2008 Chabad House attacks in Mumbai and the 2016 Istanbul attack. A 2017 amendment, initiated by Knesset Member Haim Yellin, expanded eligibility to include victims of attacks not directly aimed at Israel or Jews, provided the perpetrator organization has such aims.

Following the amendment, six Israelis killed or injured in attacks in Turkey, Belgium, Mali, and Germany were retroactively recognized as victims of hostile acts. Recognition as a victim of a hostile act does not guarantee uniform benefits; entitlements vary based on individual consequences.

Aid can cover medical treatment for recognized injuries, including hospital care, medications, and medical equipment, with reimbursement requiring documentation. Psychological and psychiatric support is also available, even without physical injury. Initial acute anxiety treatment can be accessed via Bituah Leumi without formal victim status application, while further treatment and payments depend on the individual's condition and established eligibility. Financial support is provided for periods of temporary inability to work due to treatment, known as "tagmul tipul refui" (תט"ר), requiring medical confirmation and Bituah Leumi physician approval.