Accusations against the Biden administration: Influence on flights to Israel
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, representing Texas, recently accused the Biden-Harris administration of exerting undue influence on U.S. airlines to suspend flights to Israel. According to Cruz, this situation raises serious questions regarding the potential role of the US State Department in this decision and the impact it could have on US-Israeli relations.
In a statement to Jewish Insider, Cruz criticized what he described as the US administration's “lax” handling of the matter. He also claimed that the State Department could have manipulated the deliberations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thereby compromising the safety of flights to Israel.
Furthermore, the senator denounced what he perceives as political motivations behind this suspension, attributing the pressure exerted on the airlines to pro-Hamas activists. He said these actions could be in violation of U.S. law, which explicitly prohibits companies from participating in politically motivated boycotts against Israel.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Cruz expressed his intention to launch a full investigation into the matter. He cited concerns about the economic and symbolic repercussions of the extended suspension of flights by American Airlines, Delta and United. Currently, El Al is the only airline flying direct between the United States and Israel.
This controversy comes as other actors, such as Senator Lindsey Graham, have highlighted Iran's attempts to isolate Israel economically. “These flight cancellations are another sign of Iranian efforts to weaken Israel,” Graham said.
On the Israeli side, Shmuel Zakai, director of the Civil Aviation Authority, called the cancellations unjustified decisions, saying that Israeli airspace remains perfectly safe. He attributed the airlines' reluctance to union pressure and misperceptions of security risks.
This situation reflects growing geopolitical tensions and the impact of regional dynamics on bilateral relations between Israel and the United States. Cruz's accusations, if true, could intensify debates over the role of the U.S. government in international affairs, particularly when it comes to a strategic ally like Israel.
The development of this case will be crucial in determining the future of economic and diplomatic relations between the two nations. A rigorous investigation could reveal elements likely to influence air policies and strategic alliances on an international scale.
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