Israel is concerned that the United States may reassess whether it still meets the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, following an apparent failure to screen an Omani co-pilot employed by flydubai.
A source familiar with the matter linked the concern to the September 30 attack on flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot stabbed the captain and tried to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew overpowered him, and two reserve pilots on board landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The UAE has described the incident as an attempted terrorist operation.
Israel entered the Visa Waiver Program in 2023. Participation requires the country to receive and review information on passengers and air crews, and officials in Jerusalem worry that shortcomings in that process could prompt Washington to reconsider Israel's status.
The screening gap has already been acknowledged at the top. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel bars pilots from countries without diplomatic relations from operating flights into the country, and that the Omani co-pilot managed to get around the restriction. He said Israel needs to pre-screen pilots.
A senior US State Department official said the department does not comment in advance on possible actions. No formal review has been announced.
