Israeli Ministry Admits Lack of Oversight on Foreign Pilots Following Mid-Air Attack

Israel’s Transportation Ministry has publicly acknowledged that it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots operating flights into the country, stating that it lacks the authority and resources to perform such security screenings. This admission follows a violent mid-air incident earlier this week in which an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai aircraft bound for Tel Aviv.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev addressed the security concerns during an interview with the public broadcaster Kan, clarifying that the ministry’s role does not include the vetting of flight crews. Regev emphasized that responsibility for identifying potential threats and assessing security risks lies with designated security officials, rather than the transportation department.