Israel faces security scrutiny following Flydubai attack and airport breach

Israel’s participation in the United States Visa Waiver Program is facing scrutiny following an attempted terrorist attack on a Flydubai flight. On September 30, an Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, attacked a captain with an emergency axe on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 people, was forced to land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew overpowered the attacker.

The incident has raised concerns regarding Israel’s screening processes, as al-Hammami was not flagged despite his nationality and reported history of extremist activity. A US delegation is expected to visit Israel to evaluate whether the country continues to meet the security requirements necessary for visa-free travel to the US.

Separately, Israeli authorities have identified a security loophole at Ben Gurion Airport involving Chareidi men attempting to avoid military conscription. Sixty-four individuals were apprehended upon returning from Uman, Ukraine, after they had successfully bypassed border control systems to leave the country despite travel bans. Investigators believe some suspects slipped through gates after passport control by following other passengers, leaving no official record of their departure.