US May Revoke Visa Waiver for Israelis After Security Lapse
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
The United States is evaluating the revocation of visa-free travel for Israelis following a security breach involving a Flydubai flight. A U.S. delegation will visit Israel to verify security compliance. Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Miri Regev has denied her ministry's responsibility for the incident and proposed a new entry document for travelers, a request that may not be granted. A meeting is set to decide on her ministry's role and resources.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The U.S. is examining the cancellation of visa-free travel for Israelis due to a security lapse.
- A U.S. delegation will visit Israel to assess security compliance for visa waiver program eligibility.
- Transportation Minister Miri Regev denied her ministry's responsibility for the Flydubai flight incident.
- Regev proposed a new entry document for all passengers arriving in Israel 48 hours before departure.
- Regev requested NIS 40 million and ten new positions for her ministry's role in chartered flights.
- Sources indicate Regev's proposal for a new entry document may not be approved.
The United States is considering revoking Israel's visa waiver program status following a security incident, potentially requiring Israelis to obtain visas for entry into the U.S. A U.S. delegation is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days to assess whether the country still meets the necessary security requirements for visa-free travel.
This review comes after a security lapse involving a Flydubai flight, which has drawn international scrutiny. The U.S. delegation, currently in the United Arab Emirates, will examine Israel's adherence to security protocols that were established as a condition for the visa waiver, enacted by the Knesset in 2023 at U.S. request.
In parallel, Minister of Transportation Miri Regev has penned an unusual letter to senior Israeli officials, including the National Security Advisor and the Prime Minister, rejecting responsibility for the Flydubai incident on behalf of her ministry. Regev conducted an internal inquiry, concluding that the authority for such matters does not lie within the Ministry of Transportation.
Regev has proposed a new procedure requiring all passengers and crew on flights to Israel to complete a visa-like document 48 hours before departure. However, sources suggest this request is unlikely to be approved due to concerns about reciprocal demands from other countries. Additionally, Regev is seeking NIS 40 million and ten new positions to enable her ministry to fulfill its security responsibilities concerning chartered flights.
A discussion is scheduled for Thursday at the National Security Council to determine which of Regev's requests will be approved and how responsibilities will be allocated among the involved parties.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Haredi 1Arab 1Other 3
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
