Transport Ministry allowed Flydubai attack much earlier - assessment

Israel's Ministry of Transport rejected recommendations from the Shin Bet and the National Security Council to enhance aviation security, which may have contributed to the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai aircraft. The ministry refused to appoint an intelligence representative and declined participation in a threat assessment seminar, and also did not submit a request for funding to upgrade security systems, despite the Council's readiness to support it.

Israel's Ministry of Transport rejected mandatory recommendations from the Shin Bet and the National Security Council, which may have contributed to the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai aircraft last week. Last year, security agencies proposed sending a representative to the ministry to assess intelligence risks for foreign and charter flights, but the ministry, led by security department head Avri Cohen, opposed it, citing a desire to avoid external interference. The Shin Bet also offered ministry employees a multi-day seminar on threat assessment and airport security, but this proposal was not implemented. The National Security Council urged the ministry to request additional funding to upgrade outdated systems at the Aviation Security Operations Center, but the ministry did not submit an application, preferring to seek funding through other channels. Despite the lack of a request, the Finance Ministry allocated an additional 10 million shekels and 10 positions in the 2026 budget for the security department, but the vacancies remain unfilled. Minister Miri Regev explained the refusal as a reluctance to make organizational changes. Earlier, it was reported that co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami explained the hijacking attempt as revenge for military operations in Gaza.