Israeli Transport Ministry Officials Under Police Probe for Outside Work

Israel's Lahav-433 police unit has launched an investigation into senior Ministry of Transport officials suspected of working for foreign airlines while responsible for aviation security and pilot vetting. Among the airlines allegedly involved is Flydubai, on whose flight an Omani pilot attempted an attack. The probe focuses on Avraham (Avri) Cohen, head of the ministry's security department, and Dvir Rubinstein, head of the aviation security operations center, as well as other employees. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from ministry employees to the police, who are examining potential conflicts of interest from this "side work."

The National Fraud Investigation Unit (YAH) within Lahav-433 is leading the inquiry. Cohen's situation came under scrutiny after a Haaretz newspaper report revealed he was allegedly working as a "reserve security employee" for a foreign airport concurrently with his ministry role. Investigators are reviewing his employment contract to determine if he had authorization for this additional work, which the Civil Service Commission reportedly never granted. Cohen claims he received permission from the Director-General of the Ministry of Transport in 2018 upon assuming his post.

In Rubinstein's case, police are investigating whether he was permitted to provide freelance services while holding a sensitive ministry position. According to Channel 12 News, he allegedly received payment for consultations and training, including from Flydubai. Investigators will examine if his employment contract prohibited consulting for foreign companies and if he was required to disclose such activities, which could constitute a conflict of interest.

The Ministry of Transport's Security Department oversees air, sea, and land transport security in Israel, including vetting pilots flying into the country. Ynet reports the department is currently understaffed and lacks a budget, with meetings rarely held. This department was established after a series of state comptroller reports highlighted significant gaps and lack of coordination in the oversight of national transport infrastructure security.

Haaretz reported that Cohen's additional work is linked to "Ofek," a state aviation security system operating on behalf of the Shin Bet. "Ofek" employees provide security for Israeli airlines abroad, overseeing security checks at foreign airports for Israeli carriers. Cohen, a former "Ofek" employee, reportedly receives separate payment for temporarily substituting for active personnel in this capacity, work unrelated to his official ministry duties.