Full Breakdown
Critique of Israel's Aviation Preparedness During the War
4/18/2026, 8:23:29 AM
Overview of the Aviation Crisis
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman issued a critical report on the Transportation Ministry's handling of the aviation crisis that emerged following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. The report highlighted significant failures in emergency preparedness, particularly regarding the return of Israelis stranded abroad. Englman emphasized that there were no established procedures for prioritizing the return of individuals based on economic or national importance, which left many, including soldiers and reservists, to navigate high ticket prices and limited flight options.
Key Findings of the Report
Englman's report pointed out that while the Civil Aviation Authority and Israeli airlines managed to maintain operations during the conflict, the overall civil aviation system was inadequately prepared for prolonged emergencies. He called for a comprehensive aviation policy that would ensure operational continuity during crises and better coordination between civilian and military aviation. The report also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not advancing plans for a second airport to complement Ben-Gurion Airport, which has been the sole major airport for nearly three decades.
Need for a Second Airport
The report underscored the strategic necessity of establishing a second airport, citing the increasing passenger traffic and security concerns. Despite a government decision nearly 28 years ago to build an additional airport, disputes over location and timing have stalled progress. Englman warned that reliance on Ben-Gurion Airport during emergencies could jeopardize both civilian and military aviation, especially if the airport were to come under missile attack.
Economic Implications and Airline Performance
The report noted that the aviation crisis inadvertently benefited Israeli airlines, particularly El Al, which saw a significant increase in passenger numbers and operating profits despite a general decline in air travel. El Al's passenger count rose to over 6.5 million in 2024, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. However, the report criticized the government's failure to utilize its regulatory powers effectively, which could have moderated soaring ticket prices and ensured the addition of flights during the crisis.
Official Responses and Criticism
Officials from the Transportation Ministry dismissed the report's criticisms as outdated, arguing that the situation had evolved since the report's drafting in March 2025. They highlighted successful operations that returned over 600,000 Israelis from abroad during subsequent military actions. However, the report's findings raise concerns about the long-term preparedness of Israel's aviation system for future conflicts.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of the Transportation Ministry's response during the crisis. While the ministry claims improvements have been made, the comptroller's report suggests that significant gaps remain in emergency planning and execution. Additionally, the publication of several related reports was delayed due to legal orders, raising questions about transparency and accountability in addressing these critical issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “According to the comptroller, the state’s continued dependence on Ben-Gurion alone during emergencies could harm both civilian and military aviation.” — Matanyahu Englman, State Comptroller
- “In response, the Transportation Ministry said the report had been written in March 2025 and did not reflect the lessons already implemented since then.” — Transportation Ministry Official
