Transportation Ministry's Security Failures for Foreign Flights Exposed
An internal document from the National Security Council (NSC) has unveiled a series of failures by the Transportation Ministry in managing security for foreign flights to Israel. The document, obtained by Galai Tzahal, indicates that the ministry did not fulfill its assigned responsibilities despite receiving multiple warnings from professional officials within its Security Division, who expressed concerns about their capability to handle such duties.
In July 2021, the Security Cabinet decided that the Shin Bet would no longer oversee security for foreign flights, transferring that responsibility to the Transportation Ministry. This decision included stipulations that the Civil Aviation Authority would ensure compliance with international security directives. However, the NSC document states that the Transportation Ministry has not acted in accordance with this directive.
The State Comptroller's classified report from May 2024 also identified this failure, prompting the Security Cabinet to establish a team involving representatives from various ministries and security agencies to review the security arrangements for civilian aviation to Israel. The review, which lasted about a year, saw the NSC and Shin Bet advocating for the Transportation Ministry to take on the security responsibilities, citing a lack of resources and funding on their part.
Despite the push from the Shin Bet, officials within the Transportation Ministry opposed the transfer of authority. Avri Cohen, the director of the ministry’s Security Division, argued that the responsibility was too significant and that a dedicated security agency was necessary to manage the high level of threats facing Israel. Internal discussions revealed strong opposition from the professional staff, with only Civil Aviation Authority Director Shmuel Zakai supporting the transfer.
Key Decisions on Security Oversight
Minister Miri Regev, along with other key officials, ultimately sided with Zakai, leading to the transfer of responsibility after a meeting with the Prime Minister. However, reports indicate that even after assuming this responsibility, the Transportation Ministry's Security Division did not seek assistance from the Shin Bet or Mossad for security screenings or investigations related to flights.
Critics have pointed out that both the Shin Bet and Mossad were aware of the Transportation Ministry's disarray and lack of personnel and capabilities. The NSC had warned as early as March 2025 that the ministry was not fulfilling its responsibilities, which included ensuring that foreign airlines complied with international agreements regarding crew members from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
Final Assessment
The ongoing failures in the Transportation Ministry's handling of flight security raise significant concerns about the effectiveness of Israel's national security measures. The lack of coordination between the ministry and key security agencies has led to a situation where critical oversight is not being performed, potentially exposing vulnerabilities in the aviation security framework. As the situation develops, the implications for national security and public safety remain a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action from the relevant authorities.
The revelations from the NSC document highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of the security protocols governing foreign flights to Israel. With the Transportation Ministry's failure to act in accordance with established directives, there is a clear call for enhanced collaboration between the ministry and security agencies to ensure that the safety of air travel is not compromised. As discussions continue, the focus must remain on addressing these critical gaps to safeguard national security effectively.
