US Delegation to Review Israeli Visa Waiver Status After Security Breach
US officials are set to visit Israel to evaluate Visa Waiver Program compliance following a recent aviation security breach. Transportation Minister Miri Regev has denied responsibility while demanding budget increases and new pre-flight protocols.
A delegation of US officials is expected to arrive in Israel to evaluate whether the country still meets the security requirements for the US Visa Waiver Program. The visit follows a recent security breach involving a flight, which has raised concerns among American authorities regarding Israel's compliance with established protocols.
Miri Regev Responds to Flight Security Breach
Transportation Minister Miri Regev addressed the situation in an unusual letter sent to senior Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister and the head of the National Security Council (NSC). In the correspondence, Regev rejected responsibility for the security lapse, asserting that the relevant authority does not lie with the Ministry of Transportation.
Furthermore, Regev demanded the implementation of a mandatory pre-flight procedure requiring all passengers and crew members aboard flights arriving in Israel to submit documentation 48 hours prior to departure. Sources familiar with the matter noted that this demand is unlikely to be approved due to fears of diplomatic retaliation from other nations that might impose similar visa restrictions on Israeli citizens.
Budget Demands and Upcoming Security Discussion
"Minister Regev has requested an allocation of 40 million shekels and ten new staff positions to enable her ministry to fulfill its security responsibilities regarding chartered flights."
An upcoming high-level meeting convened by the National Security Council (NSC) is scheduled to take place on Thursday. The session will include all relevant security and government agencies to determine which of Regev's requests will be approved and how responsibilities will be distributed among the involved parties.
