Tens of thousands of defense industry workers and IDF servants are apparently no longer allowed to visit the country • No official decision has yet been made in the defense establishment

• Security class holders may not be allowed to fly to the Emirates

  Photo: 

  Reuters

Israel is celebrating the declaration of peace with the United Arab Emirates, but it turns out that Dubai, one of the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations in the world, will be blocked for some Israelis. A check with officials in the defense establishment shows that those who will probably not be able to visit the United Arab Emirates are employees of the defense industries and permanent and regular members of the IDF. 

Many of these employees hold security classification at various levels, and they may not receive approval from the Ministry of Defense to fly to the Emirates. Currently, those with special classifications are not allowed to fly to some countries with which diplomatic relations, such as Egypt and Jordan. Alongside them is Turkey, which has suspended relations with Israel.

Photo: GPO

It is important to note that there is still no official decision on the matter, but senior defense officials explain that there are likely to be quite a few restrictions around flights to the Emirates for military servicemen and defense industry workers.

If such a decision is made, there may be exceptional cases in which those employees will be able to obtain special permits. Under the peace agreement, quite a few business and economic relations are also expected between the countries, and as a result it will be possible to examine various cases individually.

More on this topic:

• Suite and Private Chef: A glimpse of a flight to the Emirates

• "Waiting to host our Israeli friends"

• Welcome to the Emirates - one of the most beautiful and pampering places in the world

The IDF said: "There is no change in IDF policy. In general, in light of the corona, IDF servants, including permanent personnel, are not allowed to fly to foreign countries."

The Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the issue.