Israel Transport Ministry Security Chief Worked Second Job for 8 Years Without Approval

The head of the Security Department at Israel's Ministry of Transport, Avri Cohen, worked a second, paid job for eight years without the necessary approval, it has been revealed. Cohen, a senior official also involved in the recent Flydubai incident, served as a "security coordinator for reservists" (Kabat Atudai), responsible for security at an overseas airport for Israeli airlines. This role was separate from his official duties and provided him with additional income.

Initially, the Ministry of Transport stated that Cohen had received approval from the ministry's management in 2018 when he took on the role. However, a subsequent statement clarified that the Civil Service Commission never granted such approval. The ministry learned of the situation several months ago and instructed Cohen to immediately cease the additional work.

The second job was with the "Ofek" system for aviation security, a state-run program operating under the Shin Bet to secure Israeli airline passengers abroad. This role requires personnel to stay overseas for several days.

The Ministry of Transport explained that while employees are obligated to obtain permission for secondary employment, the authority to grant such permission for an employee at Cohen's level rests with the Civil Service Commission. The ministry admitted it had not submitted a request on Cohen's behalf, and therefore, no permit was issued. The Civil Service Commission confirmed that Cohen never applied for approval for the additional work, and none was granted.

Cohen previously served in the "Ofek" system, which sometimes offers former personnel positions to fill staffing shortages.