Jerusalem, 7 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Wednesday rejected reports that Israel’s visa-waiver status with the United States is in danger following security concerns exposed by last week’s attempted attack aboard a flydubai flight.
Israeli media reported that a U.S. delegation was expected to visit Israel to assess whether the country continues meeting security requirements under the Visa Waiver Program. The reports followed questions over how an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain was cleared to fly to Israel.
Huckabee dismissed the reports, saying there was no basis for claims that the visa waiver was being revoked or was currently in jeopardy.
Israel joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2023, allowing eligible Israelis to enter the United States for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.