Israeli Minister for Economy and Industry Nir Barkat called the foiled midair attack as part of a global battle against terror, and asked for an international screening mechanism for aviation personnel after a co-pilot attempted to crash a Tel Aviv-bound flight carrying.
“This time, unfortunately, a co-pilot, I don’t think many people would have thought that a co-pilot would try to kill the pilot and take the whole plane down. Reflecting on the swift response of the passengers, the minister attributed their intervention to a national mindset shaped by security training and active engagement during crises. “The way we think is being very, very proactive. We’re taking chances. We’re taking risks. But eventually, it turns out that’s the safest way for the whole community.”
But that’s the reality of what happened,” Barkat said. “They say that probably the safest way to fly is to sit next to Israelis on international flights, because basically we learn to engage,” Barkat said.
Turning to bilateral relations with New Delhi, Barkat highlighted ongoing negotiations with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal regarding a proposed free-trade agreement expected early next year. “Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Economy and I have been collaborating. And we have a free trade agreement in process.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to finish it at the beginning of next year,” he said.
