Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a security review of all international flights to Israel on Sunday, following an Omani co‑pilot’s attempt to bring down a flydubai aircraft bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
The sabotage began when the co‑pilot, who came from a country with no diplomatic ties to Israel, stabbed the Indian captain during the approach and then tried to steer the plane toward Israeli airspace.
Transport Minister Miri Regev rejected responsibility, saying the security of foreign carriers falls under Mossad and Shin Bet’s purview.
Critics, however, say the incident exposed a systemic lapse. Former civil aviation director‑general Keren Terner slammed Regev on X, arguing the ministry should have overseen the flight. "You are responsible for the security of foreign companies," she wrote.
Opposition leaders added fuel to the fire. Yair Lapid called the review a sham, while Gadi Eisenkot urged Regev to resign.
Netanyahu has instructed Shmuel Ben Ezra to appoint an independent examiner to audit all security protocols before the October 27 national election, signaling a high‑stakes showdown for the incoming administration.