Millions Allocated for Flight Security Unused Amid Blame Game

Months before a security incident, a budget increase approved for flight security was not implemented, according to a report. The government had approved 10 million shekels and 10 positions for the Ministry of Transport's security department, intended to bolster the oversight of foreign airlines operating in Israel. This decision followed a National Security Council recommendation, which itself was prompted by a state comptroller's report from two years prior highlighting deficiencies in the security of foreign flights entering Israel.

However, since the budget's approval for 2026, no new personnel have been hired, and the allocated funds have not been utilized. Both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance are engaged in a dispute over who is responsible for the lack of implementation. The Ministry of Transport claims the Ministry of Finance failed to transfer the funds and positions despite written commitments. Conversely, the Ministry of Finance asserts that all necessary funds for enhancing security were budgeted and made available to the Ministry of Transport at the time of the 2026 budget approval.

Under existing procedures, foreign airlines are supposed to submit crew lists to the National Passenger Screening Center, a unit within the Tax Authority. While the Mossad and Shin Bet have access to these lists, the Ministry of Transport, which is legally responsible for enforcing safety standards for foreign airlines, stated it was unaware of this requirement or its role in receiving the names. The article notes that government regulations and a 2003 government decision place the primary responsibility for the inspection and supervision of civilian aircraft entering Israeli airspace on the Minister of Transport.