Israel may have violated US visa waiver terms through failure to conduct air crew background checks

Israel joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2023. As part of the process, it must meet conditions set by the US, including receiving and reviewing information about passengers and air crews.

Israel is concerned that the United States could reassess whether it is meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program following the failure to properly screen the Omani co-pilot aboard the flydubai flight to Israel, a source familiar with the matter told Walla overnight Wednesday.

According to the source, one of the requirements under the arrangement with the United States is that Israel receive and review all information concerning passengers and air crews arriving in the country.

Following the incident, concern has emerged that Israel may not have met that requirement, potentially prompting US authorities to examine whether Israel remains in compliance with the program.

A senior US State Department official told Walla that the department does not comment in advance on possible actions "as a general matter."

The concern follows the attempted hijacking aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which raised questions about how the Omani co-pilot, who attacked his captain with a cockpit crash axe, passed screening procedures and was approved as a member of the flight crew traveling to Israel.

Israel must meet conditions set by US to remain in program

Israel joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2023. As part of the process, it must meet conditions set by the US to participate in the program.

According to the source, the relevant requirements include receiving and reviewing information about passengers and aircrews.