Transport Ministry Security Chief Lacked Permit for Second Job, Haaretz Reports

Avri Cohen, the head of the Ministry of Transport's security department, did not possess the required authorization to hold a second job with the aviation security system "Ofek," according to a report by the newspaper "Haaretz." Cohen had previously claimed to "Haaretz" that he received such permission from ministry leadership in 2018, but the newspaper states that no such authorization was ever granted.

"Haaretz" reported that approximately eight months ago, the Ministry of Transport received an anonymous complaint alleging Cohen was working concurrently for the ministry and "Ofek." An investigation at the time found he lacked the necessary permit and instructed him to cease any work unrelated to his ministerial position. Despite this, no disciplinary proceedings were initiated against Cohen. He was advised to formally apply for a permit through the Civil Service Commission, but "Haaretz" indicates he has not yet done so.

The ministry department led by Cohen is responsible for vetting foreign airline crews. Cohen, in turn, serves as a reservist for "Ofek," a state entity ensuring aviation security for Israeli airlines' international flights. "Ofek" calls on reservists to fill staffing gaps, requiring them to travel abroad and receive payment for their service.

Until 2021, the Shin Bet was responsible for security on foreign flights. However, the ministerial political-military cabinet then transferred these duties to the Ministry of Transport's security department. "Haaretz" also reported that the National Security Council had previously criticized the Ministry of Transport for inadequate vetting of foreign companies, noting that the transport ministry's security department had never requested assistance from the Shin Bet or Mossad for security assessments or crew and passenger checks.

On Saturday, October 3, Minister of Transport Miri Regev stated in an interview that intelligence agencies, not her ministry, should be responsible for vetting flight crews. "Those who should conduct the checks are the intelligence bodies, and we are not an intelligence structure," she said.