Israel's Aviation Security Chief Accused of Conflict of Interest
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Dvir Rubinstein, Israel's Head of Aviation Security for 19 years, is under investigation for alleged conflicts of interest. He operates as an external contractor, advising foreign airlines, including Flydubai, while overseeing their security. This practice reportedly allowed thousands of pilots from hostile nations to enter Israel without proper vetting. The probe intensified after a near-fatal incident on a Flydubai flight, raising questions about the outsourcing of critical security functions.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Dvir Rubinstein, Israel's Head of Aviation Security, is accused of a severe conflict of interest.
- He allegedly consults for foreign airlines while overseeing their security operations.
- This practice may have allowed thousands of pilots from hostile nations into Israel.
- The investigation follows a near-hijacking incident on a Flydubai flight.
- Police have opened a criminal investigation into Rubinstein's conduct.
- Critics condemn the outsourcing of critical aviation security functions.
A recent investigative report by Israel's Channel 12 News has revealed serious allegations against Dvir Rubinstein, who has held the sensitive position of Head of Aviation Security at the Ministry of Transportation for 19 years. Contrary to public perception, Rubinstein is not a state employee but an external contractor who provides private consulting services to the very foreign airlines he is supposed to regulate. This arrangement has raised significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest and compromised security protocols.
The investigation highlighted that Rubinstein's private company advises foreign airlines, including Flydubai, on security matters. This means he receives payments from these companies while simultaneously being responsible for approving their operations and ensuring the safety of their flights into Israel. The report suggests that this dual role allowed thousands of pilots from countries with no diplomatic ties to Israel to land without adequate background checks, posing a potential security risk.
These revelations came to light following a near-disaster on a Flydubai flight carrying 174 Israelis, which experienced a sudden and severe drop in altitude after a passenger reportedly attempted to hijack the plane. The incident was averted only by the bravery of passengers and crew who neutralized the hijacker.
Further allegations suggest a pattern of "connected" dealings, where Rubinstein allegedly uses his public position to benefit himself and associates. Testimonies indicate that charter companies needing approval from the Aviation Security Operations Center (MAMLAT) are often steered towards a specific security coordinator, Itay Levin. Levin, who also runs a consulting firm and has professional ties to Rubinstein, reportedly offers his services immediately after MAMLAT requests a security coordinator, leading to suspicions that flights are approved if Levin is chosen.
Rubinstein has reportedly provided security approvals or eased requirements for private jet services in exchange for his private consulting fees, which can involve brief Zoom calls or luxury hotel stays abroad. The Ministry of Transportation's decision to outsource such a critical security function to external contractors, who may have financial interests, has been widely criticized as a deep-seated failure that put lives at risk.
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