Israel Lacks Checks on Foreign Pilots

Israel’s Transportation Ministry said it does not conduct background checks on foreign pilots or receive crew identities in advance, leaving vetting to airlines. The statement followed an alleged attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, in which Omani co-pilot reportedly stabbed the Indian captain and tried to crash the aircraft before passengers and crew subdued him; the plane diverted safely to Saudi Arabia. Reports said Oman had removed the co-pilot from flying over concerns about extremist views, though his motive and the extent of Flydubai’s vetting remain unclear. Israeli officials said they would strengthen security checks on pilots flying into the country, while the transportation minister said threat assessments were the security establishment’s responsibility. The incident disrupted UAE-Israel air travel and prompted a regional investigation.