Flight fiasco: The man responsible for aviation security - and the money he received from the companies
A News 12 investigation reveals that Dvir Rubinshtein, responsible for aviation security at the Ministry of Transport for 19 years, is defined as an external contractor rather than a civil servant, and simultaneously runs a private business advising the airlines he oversees. Among his clients was Flydubai, whose plane was hijacked and landed in Israel a week and a half ago. Following the investigation, a criminal probe has been opened against him.
A News 12 investigation reveals that Dvir Rubinshtein, the powerful figure in Israeli aviation security for 19 years, is defined as an external contractor for the Ministry of Transport rather than a civil servant. Alongside his official role, he runs a private business advising the same foreign airlines he is tasked with supervising. Among his clients was Flydubai, whose plane was hijacked a week and a half ago with 174 Israelis on board. The plane dropped from 30,000 feet to 15,000 feet per minute, and the incident ended miraculously without casualties thanks to passengers neutralizing the terrorist. The investigation also reveals a problematic relationship between Rubinshtein and security coordinator Itai Levin, who receives systematic preference from companies seeking flight permits. The police have opened a criminal investigation against Rubinshtein. The Ministry of Transport declined to comment.