Israeli lawmakers were stunned today after learning that 1,240 flight crew members—including pilots and co-pilots—from countries with no diplomatic relations with Israel, among them Syria, Lebanon, and Oman, have entered the country since the start of the year.
The figures were revealed during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Intelligence meeting chaired by MK Boaz Bismuth (Likud).
The disclosure raised immediate security concerns about the vetting procedures for aviation personnel from hostile nations arriving at Israeli airports.
According to data presented during the meeting, the flight crews entering Israel include pilots and co-pilots from countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. The discussion addressed the issue of oversight and security screening for aircrews entering the country.
Following the meeting, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Boaz Bismuth, commented on the findings, stating: “The face of civil aviation in Israel will change from this day forward.” He noted that the Subcommittee on Intelligence had held a discussion regarding the Flydubai flight and the preparedness of security agencies.
Bismuth added that “all relevant parties will be required to complete internal reviews and provide clear answers,” and emphasized that the committee “will continue to monitor the situation until the full findings are received.”