Israel Police Probe Senior Transport Ministry Officials Over Potential Conflicts of Interest

The Israeli Police have launched an investigation into two senior officials within the Ministry of Transport's aviation security division, following reports of potential conflicts of interest. The probe was initiated in the wake of revelations stemming from an attempted attack on a Fly Dubai flight.

One of the officials under investigation, Avri Cohen, head of the Security, Cyber, and Emergency Department, reportedly received private payments from Fly Dubai while simultaneously overseeing security aspects and approvals for foreign airlines operating in Israel in his official capacity. Initially, the Ministry of Transport stated that Cohen's external work had been approved in 2018. However, it later emerged that the necessary approval from the Civil Service Commission was never obtained, as Cohen did not apply for it and the ministry failed to submit the request. Consequently, the ministry has instructed Cohen to cease his external work until proper authorization is granted.

Questions have also arisen concerning Dvir Rubinstein, director of the Aviation Security Operations Center. Rubinstein, who provides services to the ministry through an outsourcing arrangement rather than being a direct employee, also runs a private company offering aviation and security consulting and training. Reports indicate that Rubinstein provided paid consulting and training to foreign airlines, including Fly Dubai and Emirates, while in his ministry role, which involves approving and overseeing foreign carriers flying to Israel. The fact that Fly Dubai, one of the companies that paid him, was involved in a recent attempted attack incident has amplified scrutiny on the oversight mechanisms for foreign airlines, cabin crew screening, and the division of responsibilities between the Ministry of Transport and other security agencies.