Israeli watchdogs demand state inquiry into flight security failures following flydubai attack

The Israeli Movement for Quality Government has called for a government inquiry into flight security failures following the recent terrorist attack on a flydubai flight. The demand comes amid concerns over gaps in the screening of foreign flight crews and information sharing between state authorities. The movement presented evidence showing that the crew members' details, including the co-pilot's personal information and citizenship, were shared with the Tax Authority's National Passenger Data Analysis Center prior to takeoff.

However, the Transportation Ministry claimed it did not receive the crew list. Furthermore, the appeal highlighted that data on crew members aboard foreign flights had not been retrieved or checked for about two years, leading to demands for an investigation into how information held by the state failed to identify the security risk.

The movement also pointed out that the National Security Council had recommended regulating aviation security and allocating necessary resources as early as 2024. Despite this, the Ministry of Transportation and security division personnel within the ministry had expressed concerns about lacking the intelligence tools required to perform their mission.

The movement argues that the National Security Council's review was insufficient given the severity of the failures and the previous examination of the issue by the council. The Movement for Quality Government is demanding the establishment of a government inquiry led by a retired judge, granting the panel investigative powers. The committee should examine the handling of previous warnings, the use of flight crew information, coordination with intelligence agencies, and individual and institutional responsibility for any identified failures.

The movement also called for immediate action to rectify the security gaps and a binding procedure governing the transfer, review, and cross-checking of information, with an interim arrangement ensuring that an authorized security body carries out intelligence screening with clear responsibility division among relevant agencies.

Attorney Dr. Eliad Shraga, chairman of the movement, emphasized that passenger safety should not rely on the bravery of those seated next to them on the plane. The reports reveal a grim picture of unaddressed warnings and information that was held by the state but not examined as required. The public deserves accountability, an understanding of what was not done, and measures to prevent future disasters.

A commission of inquiry with investigative powers, alongside immediate correction of security gaps, is deemed necessary to ensure the safety of passengers.