Israel Could Lose US Visa Waiver Status Amid Aviation Security Concerns

Israel could face a review of its participation in the US Visa Waiver Program following security concerns exposed by an attempted terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported.

A US delegation is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days to assess whether the country is complying with the security requirements agreed under the Visa Waiver Program, according to Channel 12. The delegation is currently in the United Arab Emirates examining aviation security procedures.

Israel joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2023, allowing Israeli citizens to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa, provided they receive authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The reported US review will focus on whether Israel continues to meet the security conditions required under the agreement.

The scrutiny follows the September 30 incident involving flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft experienced a dramatic descent after the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the plane. Passengers and crew intervened, while other pilots on board eventually landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The United Arab Emirates has described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. The co-pilot, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, was taken into custody, and investigations into his background and motives are continuing. Reuters reported that Israeli officials have also been examining allegations that he had planned the attack before joining the airline.

The incident has raised questions about Israel’s screening of foreign airline crews, particularly personnel from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli media have reported that hundreds of foreign aircrew members from such countries entered Israel over the past year and that authorities had relied heavily on airlines to enforce restrictions and conduct checks.

Reports have also raised questions about whether Israel’s Transportation Ministry adequately addressed warnings and requests for additional security measures. According to Israeli media, the Shin Bet and National Security Council had previously proposed additional measures and funding, but some requests were rejected by the Transportation Ministry.

The security concerns have prompted calls for tighter screening of foreign pilots and aviation personnel entering Israel. Israel’s Transportation Minister Miri Regev has reportedly proposed introducing an “aviation visa” requiring passengers and crew arriving in Israel to receive prior approval from the Population and Immigration Authority.

The US delegation’s assessment could therefore have broader implications for Israel’s continued participation in the Visa Waiver Program, although no decision to suspend or remove Israel from the program has been announced. The reported review comes as Israeli authorities face increased scrutiny over aviation security following the flydubai incident.