IDF reveals: How the defense system against aircraft hijacking operates
The IDF has cleared for publication new details regarding a special military directive codenamed "World Trade." It is a strategic defense plan designed to prevent passenger aircraft hijacking incidents in Israeli airspace and to respond rapidly in the event of an exceptional security threat.
The directive was established following the September 11 attacks in the United States, which altered the global security perception regarding civil aviation. The purpose of the directive is to provide the security establishment with tools to deal with an extreme scenario in which a passenger plane could be used as a weapon or hijacked by hostile actors.
According to reports, the directive has been activated in real-time situations in the past, including an instance where a security concern arose regarding a "flydubai" flight. In such cases, the Air Force scrambles fighter jets to escort the suspicious aircraft, establish contact with the pilots, and ensure that the flight does not pose a danger to the country.
The disclosure of the directive is intended to increase transparency with the Israeli public and clarify that Israel's defense systems are prepared for any scenario. It involves close cooperation between the Air Force, the Israel Airports Authority, and intelligence agencies, all working together to maintain the safety of passengers in the country's skies.