Israeli Transportation Minister Demands New Visa Process for Flights
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Transportation Minister Miri Regev has proposed a new visa requirement for all international flight passengers and crew, to be completed 48 hours before departure and pre-approved by immigration authorities. She also disclaimed her ministry's responsibility for a security lapse, while requesting NIS 40 million and 10 positions to manage chartered flight safety. Officials doubt the visa proposal will be accepted due to potential international backlash.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Transportation Minister Miri Regev proposed a new visa process for all incoming international flights.
- Regev disclaimed her ministry's responsibility for a security lapse in a formal letter.
- The proposed visa would need to be filled out 48 hours before departure and pre-approved.
- Sources believe the visa proposal will likely be rejected due to fears of international reciprocity.
- Regev also requested NIS 40 million and 10 positions for her ministry's safety responsibilities.
- The proposal aims to address a security lapse identified in an internal investigation.
Minister of Transportation Miri Regev has formally requested a new visa procedure for all incoming international flights, including those operated by foreign and Israeli airlines, as well as chartered flights. In a letter addressed to senior Israeli officials, including the National Security Advisor, the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and heads of security agencies, Regev outlined her proposal for a one-time visa or equivalent document to be completed by all passengers and aircrew 48 hours before departure and pre-approved by the Population and Immigration Authority.
Crucially, Regev explicitly stated in the document that the authority for this matter does not lie with her ministry, thereby disclaiming any responsibility for the issue at hand. This move comes as Regev seeks to shift responsibility away from the Ministry of Transportation regarding a specific security lapse, the details of which were included in her investigation findings attached to the letter.
Despite Regev's demands, sources involved in the matter believe the visa proposal is unlikely to be accepted. Concerns have been raised about potential reciprocal measures from foreign countries, which might impose similar visa requirements on Israeli citizens.
Additionally, Regev is requesting a budget of NIS 40 million and 10 positions for the Ministry of Transportation. This funding, she argues, is necessary for the ministry to fulfill its safety responsibilities concerning chartered flights.
