After Flydubai: While Iran Seeks Revenge – the Security Gap in Israeli Flights

Following the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai plane, a dispute has emerged over the security of chartered flights by Israeli airlines. Security sources claim that passengers may fly under an Israeli brand without the full security envelope of the Shin Bet. According to these sources, the security level for foreign flights arriving in Israel is determined by the Security Director of the Ministry of Transport, who sets rules including security screening and questioning of passengers. Due to the rapid growth of Israeli airlines, they are forced to charter foreign aircraft from third-world countries such as Cambodia or from Eastern Europe. For example, passengers on El Al flight 541 last Wednesday from Athens to Israel discovered that the flight would be operated by the Bulgarian company "Air Electra," and that the El Al security team did not conduct hand luggage screening or questioning. A Shin Bet source stated that the decision stems from the fact that foreign companies do not want Shin Bet security equipment, the Shin Bet only operates on full Israeli flights, and ground screening is the responsibility of the local crew. The Ministry of Transport stated that no reduction in the security level was given.