Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, is calling on U.S. airlines to reinstate flights to and from Israel. These flights were suspended last summer due to rising violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Cruz, who has closely monitored the situation, made his views known during an interview with Trudy Stern, co-president of NORPAC New York, on the Nothing But The Truth podcast.
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Cruz’s Appeal to U.S. Airlines
In his remarks, Cruz strongly believes that the time has come for American Airlines to resume operations in Israel. He argued that the initial suspension of flights could have been justified by safety concerns when the conflict began. However, Cruz pointed out that as the situation has evolved, the justification for such flight suspensions seems less grounded in safety and more in political motivations.
“It was one thing right at the outset of the war when it was unclear what was going to happen,” Cruz said. “It was one thing to potentially take a step in terms of preserving safety. But right now, with the ongoing situation, it’s clear that the circumstances have changed.”
International Airlines Continue Flights to Israel
Cruz also noted that other international airlines have continued to operate flights to Israel throughout the conflict. “El Al, Israel’s national airline, is flying every day, and regional European carriers are regularly flying to Israel,” Cruz stated. He further mentioned that the UAE’s airline operates three flights a day to Israel, suggesting that the threat level to flights is not as severe as it was when the conflict first began.
Political Motives Behind Flight Suspensions
Cruz emphasized his belief that the suspension of U.S. flights to Israel is more likely to be politically motivated than safety-driven. “Every indication is that this is a politically motivated boycott,” Cruz remarked. He pointed out the involvement of certain unions in the movement against Israeli interests, explicitly calling out the most extensive flight attendant union for its outspoken anti-Israel stance.
“Some unions have been actively calling for boycotts of Israel and supporting antisemitic protests on U.S. college campuses,” Cruz added. He noted that this politicization of the issue may be influencing the decisions of U.S. airlines to delay the resumption of flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were flights to Israel suspended?
Flights to Israel were suspended last summer due to increased violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with airlines concerned about passenger safety during the conflict.
What is Ted Cruz’s stance on the suspension of flights?
Senator Ted Cruz believes that it is time for U.S. airlines to resume flights to Israel, as the situation has evolved and the safety concerns are no longer as pressing.
Are international airlines still flying to Israel?
Yes, airlines such as El Al, European regional airlines, and the UAE’s national carrier continue to operate flights to Israel, indicating that the threat to air travel has decreased.
What is Cruz’s view on the political motives behind the suspension?
Cruz argues that flight suspensions are increasingly seen as a politically motivated boycott rather than a genuine safety concern.
How have unions affected the suspension of flights?
Cruz highlighted that some unions, particularly the most significant flight attendant unions, have been vocal in their opposition to Israel, calling for boycotts and supporting antisemitic protests, which may influence the airline industry’s decision.
Conclusion
Senator Ted Cruz’s call for U.S. airlines to resume flights to Israel reflects a growing frustration with what he perceives as politically motivated actions in the aviation industry. While safety concerns were valid at the outset of the conflict, Cruz believes the situation has now shifted, and continued flight suspension appears to be more about politics than passenger security.
With international airlines maintaining regular flights, Cruz’s comments challenge U.S. carriers to reconsider their stance and prioritize restoring direct links with Israel.