An employee at Ben-Gurion Airport was dismissed after photographing US military aircraft and sharing the images on a WhatsApp group, according to a report on Wednesday. The incident reportedly raised concerns and nearly led to tensions between the US military and Israeli authorities.
According to sources, the person described as a temporary worker, captured images of US aircraft operating from the airport and circulated them online. The action prompted immediate attention from security officials, given the sensitive nature of ongoing military operations at the facility.
However, the Israel Airports Authority disputed parts of the report, stating that the employee worked only briefly and was terminated for a disciplinary violation in line with established procedures. Officials emphasized that the situation did not unfold exactly as initially reported.
Meanwhile, a separate but related development involved an Israeli soldier who was also present at the airport. Reports indicated that the soldier photographed the same aircraft and allegedly shared the images online. As a result, the Israel Defense Forces have initiated a disciplinary process to address the matter.
Security officials revealed that the IDF had informed airport authorities about the person’s actions, prompting coordination between both sides. This collaboration aimed to ensure that security protocols remained intact and sensitive information did not spread further.
The incident occurred amid increased US military activity at the airport, including the presence of refueling and cargo aircraft supporting ongoing operations. Therefore, authorities have heightened vigilance around security procedures.
Investigations continue as officials assess the impact of the incident and reinforce measures to prevent similar breaches.
