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Security & Defense

Israel Seeks Advance Aircrew Screening After Knesset Security Review

Transport Minister Miri Regev is seeking stronger checks before flights to Israel after a reported parliamentary disclosure that 1,240 aircrew members from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel entered over the past year. The measures remain proposed, with implementation still requiring decisions by the relevant authorities.

Illustration of a passenger aircraft beside an airport terminal with a document checking motif
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What the committee reportedly heard

Ynet reported on October 6 that the figure was presented during a Knesset intelligence and secret services subcommittee discussion following the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight. Syrian and Lebanese citizens were among the crew members described in the report.

The figure concerns aircrew entries from a category of countries. It does not establish that those individuals were involved in wrongdoing or presented a threat. The public account is based on reporting about the committee discussion, rather than a published transcript.

A proposed 48 hour review

According to Ynet, the National Security Council was asked to work with the Mossad and Shin Bet to identify countries considered to pose high security risks. Crew lists from those countries would be sent for security review and approval 48 hours before flights to Israel.

Regev also requested interim steps following a preliminary Transportation Ministry inquiry. Her proposals included advance passenger and crew lists for flights from destinations assessed as presenting security threats. She asked for measures to begin on Sunday, while the broader investigation continued.

Decisions needed before implementation

The proposals would link immigration information with aviation security review. The Population and Immigration Authority would supply relevant passport information to the Transportation Ministry’s Security Division, with intelligence agencies handling the requested security assessments.

Regev’s request also sought clarity over which agency would review the lists and the resources needed to carry out the work. These questions matter because gathering names, assessing risk and authorizing a flight are different stages of the proposed process.

The reported request is not confirmation that a new nationwide requirement has taken effect. Nor does it establish a finalized procedure for travelers. For airlines and passengers, the practical change will depend on the instructions ultimately issued by the responsible authorities.

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