Netanyahu Orders Security Review of Flights to Israel After FlyDubai Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a security review of international flights to Israel following an incident involving an Omani co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft before it was diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu instructed National Security Council chief Shmuel Ben Ezra to appoint an examiner to conduct a comprehensive review of security arrangements for foreign civil aviation operating flights to Israel, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

The FlyDubai attack investigation has intensified scrutiny of how foreign pilots are screened before operating flights to Israel. Israeli media have reported that the co-pilot was allegedly seeking to crash the aircraft on Israeli territory after attacking the captain.

The incident has raised questions because Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Critics are examining how an Omani pilot was cleared to operate a flight carrying passengers to Tel Aviv and whether Israeli authorities had access to relevant background information.

Transport Minister Miri Regev rejected responsibility for the security failure. She said security checks involving foreign airlines fall under the responsibility of Israel’s intelligence agencies, including the Mossad and Shin Bet.

The security review of international flights to Israel comes against the backdrop of an earlier warning from Israel’s State Comptroller. A 2024 report found that responsibilities for securing foreign airlines operating in Israel were not clearly divided and recommended that the government address the problem.

Israeli media have also reported that pilots from countries considered hostile to Israel have operated flights into the country in recent years. The reports have added pressure on authorities to explain how foreign aviation personnel are assessed before entering Israel’s airspace and airports.

The dispute has also become political. Former Transport Ministry director-general Keren Terner blamed Regev, while opposition leader Yair Lapid described Netanyahu’s review as inadequate. Gadi Eisenkot separately called for Regev to resign.

The FlyDubai attack investigation and the government-ordered review will determine whether existing aviation security procedures failed and whether responsibilities between civilian and intelligence agencies need to change.

The findings could lead to tighter screening of foreign pilots, clearer coordination between government bodies and additional safeguards for international flights. The security review of international flights to Israel is also expected to face close political scrutiny as the government responds to questions over the handling of foreign airline security.