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US Reviews Israel Visa Waiver After Flydubai Terror Scare
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News18•07-10-2026, 07:42
US Reviews Israel Visa Waiver After Flydubai Terror Scare
- •Israelis could lose US visa-free travel privileges following security lapses exposed by an attempted terror attack on a flydubai flight.
- •A US delegation is visiting Israel to review compliance with the security requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.
- •The security scare involved an Omani co-pilot with suspected extremist ties who attacked the captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flight.
- •Israeli authorities are facing internal criticism over the vetting of foreign flight crews from nations without diplomatic ties.
- •Transportation Minister Miri Regev has requested additional funds and staff to strengthen aviation oversight and charter flight security.
Key Questions Answered
Israeli citizens could potentially lose their US visa-free travel privileges after security lapses exposed by an attempted terror attack on a flydubai flight raised questions over compliance with the US Visa Waiver Program.
Israeli authorities faced criticism for monitoring pilots and crew from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel. Around 1,240 such aircrew members entered Israel over the past year, including an Omani co-pilot with extremist views who attacked a flight.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that pilots who are citizens of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel are not permitted to operate flights to the country, and he ordered a security review of foreign airlines.
