US Visa Waiver for Israelis at Risk After Security Lapse

The delegation is currently in the United Arab Emirates examining aviation security protocols before traveling to Israel. The review was prompted by an incident on a Flydubai flight where information provided to Israel about passengers and crew did not prevent a co-pilot, who had been identified as a security risk by UAE authorities, from boarding. Additionally, reports indicate that approximately 1,240 aircrew members from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel entered the country over the past year.

Israel joined the Visa Waiver Program in September 2023, allowing eligible citizens to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days with an ESTA authorization. In response to the security lapse, Transportation Minister Miri Regev sent a letter to national security and government officials disclaiming responsibility for the incident and proposing a new procedure that would require passengers and crew on flights to Israel to complete a screening form 48 hours before departure.